Assume that you are a defense attorney who has been appointed to represent a defendant in a first degree murder case (in which the prosecution may ask for the death penalty). Provide a list of at least five (5) things you would ask the Judge for before deciding whether you want to take on this case and why those things are important.

Question

anonymous · Answer

a) reason for which the crime was committed (self defense, humanitarian grounds?)
b) the accused's past history of crimes vs. charity/volunteer work
c) how it will affect the accused's family and their survival
d) impact on the society in terms of law enforcement, if room for leeway 
e) if no death penalty is given, then this gives a chance for the defendant to start afresh

A lot of luck to the attorney!