Purpose: The major aim of the first learning project is to provide students an opportunity to apply their knowledge of hearsay exceptions relevant to cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse.
There are two parts to the project:
You will choose one of the three hearsay exceptions that are relevant to cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. Next, you will write a vignette (i.e., short story, scenario) that illustrates an abuse disclosure that fits the exception. Details related to the context of the disclosure and statements made will help you with part two of the project (~1 double-spaced).
Explain the rationale for the hearsay exception you chose (i.e., if a statement meets the exception why is it considered more reliable than not?) Next, you will evaluate the degree to which the disclosure in your vignette meets the hearsay exception. For example, if you choose the excited utterance exception, you’ll consider the disclosure context and statements described in your scenario against the list of factors a judge uses to determine if statements meet that requirement. You should use course readings to support your response (Meyers, 2011 should be most helpful). (~2 pages double-spaced)
Reminders:
You should read through the writing tips provided in Canvas (e.g., no direct quotes from external readings allowed). I expect students will edit and proof their responses so each is submitting their best work.
You are welcome to discuss the project with other students in the class. You are encouraged to share thoughts about your understanding of hearsay testimony. You are not allowed to submit the same work (as another student or that you’ve submitted in the past). Be careful not to accidentally or purposefully plagiarize ideas (for either part of the project).
