Unit 20: Rape II (Statutory Drafting)

Assignment:

• Feminist Critique (CP)

• Rape Statutes (CP)

• Berkowitz (CP)

Overview:

This unit will involve an in-class statutory drafting exercise with your classmates.  You will be given additional details and instructions when we arrive at this unit.

Questions for Review:

Q1. What do the Michigan, Wisconsin, and New York rape statutes have in common? In what ways do they differ?

Q2. Do you think Michigan, Wisconsin, or New York has the best-drafted rape statute? Why?

Q3.  In the Berkowitz case, what level of mens rea do you think the defendant possessed? Support your answer.