Case Brief 3

Introduction
To prepare, review Cannaday v. State, that deals with an appeal associated with the death penalty that was reviewed by the Mississippi Supreme Court. This case deals with a minor, Attina Cannaday, who committed murder and was sentenced to death. The movie, Too Young to Die, starring Juliette Lewis and Brad Pitt, was loosely based upon this real life case. Ms. Cannaday was paroled in March 2008.

When reading the Mississippi Supreme Courts decision, pay close attention to how federal cases, especially cases issued by the United States Supreme Court, influence and direct the conclusions rendered by the State Supreme Court.

From reading the Mississippi Supreme Court case and from information in your book, please answer the following questions:

Name the parties to the appeal to the Mississippi Supreme Court.
What is the procedural history of the case (identify the trial court, the first appellate court, and the final appellate court and the decision that was made by each court).
In your own words, what are the important facts regarding the criminal charges and Ms. Cannadays life history.
This case deals with numerous legal issues. You are not going to address all of the legal issues that the Court resolved but you should completely read the decision as it may provide assistance to you in answering the assigned questions. You are only required to address the issues stated in the questions below:

There is an argument that the claimants Fifth (Miranda right to counsel) and Sixth Amendment rights were violated both during the trial and during the sentencing phase. However, the Court did not find the violations to require a reversal of the entire case, only the sentencing phase. Explain why. (Hint: Look to Section D.)
Did the Court find that the defendants age at the time of the offense would preclude the imposition of the death penalty? What was the Courts reasoning?
If you were Ms. Cannadays attorney and the Court was hearing arguments TODAY, what would YOU argue to the Court about her age or any other factor that you believe is relevant to prevent the imposition of the death penalty?

Writing and Submission Requirements

3-4 pages (approx. 300 words per page), not including title page or references page Requires introduction, paragraphs with each question having its own subheading, and a conclusion APA citations must be present within the body of the assignment
references must be schorlarly and cited properly within the body including page numbers from the source. 

below is the link for the case
https://www.leagle.com/decision/19841168455so2d71311168