Goldilocks Argumentative Essay

Goldilocks has admitted to having committed the act of murder and burglary, however, she asserts affirmative defenses that would exonerate her actions from criminal liability. Affirmative dense brings to light danger for the defense because once admitting the act the defendants have the burden to, “start matters off by putting in some evidence in support of their justification or excuse defenses” (Samaha, 2011). In addition, the burden of production will shift to the defense and it is now the prosecution’s job to cause doubt upon the defense’s case. In Goldilocks case of a justification defense this would involve her use of self-defense and its necessity being that under the circumstances, it was the right thing to do (Samaha, 2011). Furthermore, in the light of the excuse defense this would involve her excuse of age. Being that she is only thirteen years old can she really understand the actions of her criminal content. The application of an affirmative defense in a criminal case causes a dramatic change to the trail. This is because the with an affirmative defense the defendant would …show more content…
For the case of the People vs. Goldilocks it was the liberty of a little girl who was born to a troubled life of abuse that was in jeopardy of being taken from her. In conclusion, Goldilocks has now provided a significant amount of tangible evidence on her behalf that should exalt her from any criminal liability for the death of Prince Charming. This is rightfully so because in the moment Goldilocks was afraid for her life and she acted in a manner necessary to protect herself. However, in the interest of the public a life was taken and for that to be dismissed, “civility calls for offering an excuse for one’s conduct even though one believes that one was justified” (Baron, 2007). Fortunate enough for the young Goldilocks in this instance it was