Everyone, including prosecutors and defense attorneys, admits that James Holmes entered a movie theater in Aurora, Colorado in July 2012 and opened fire, although he is still presumed innocent. Holmes, who killed 12 people and wounded 70, is charged with 166 felony counts of
murder, attempted murder, and other related charges. The circumstances of the case show that he planned the crime for several months, collecting ammunition, gathering weapons, and setting explosive devices as booby traps in his apartment. Holmes was represented by two public defenders, who worked to ensure that he received a fair trial and vigorous defense. The attorneys argued that their client was not guilty by reason of insanity (It has been argued by psychologists that Holmes as schizophrenia). Prosecutors were seeking the death penalty. Ultimately, Holmes
was found guilty of 12 counts of murder and sentenced to 12 life sentences without parole and
3,318 years in prison.
Answer the following questions in 500+ words:
Imagine you are the public defender in this case. How would you justify defending someone you know is guilty?
What advantages do you see in the current legal strategy to prove that Holmes was suffering from
a psychotic episode at the time of the shooting?
What are the moral and ethical issues you may face?
Sample Solution
