Prior to beginning work on this discussion, read The Burden of Reasonable Doubt: When a Standard Designed to Protect Defendants Actually Hurts Them (Links to an external site.) and Federal and State Jurisdiction (Links to an external site.) Additionally, watch What Does Beyond a Reasonable Doubt Mean? (Links to an external site.)

A central component to any criminal case is the jurisdictional  requirement for a court to hear a criminal case. In your examinations  this week, focus on the power of jurisdiction and its significance as  part of the criminal justice system. Who creates jurisdiction, and why  is it so significant? Similarly, a sound understanding of the legal  requirement that the prosecution must prove every element of a statute  beyond a reasonable doubt is required for all criminal justice  professionals. This discussion requires you to examine reasonable doubt  instructions for juries from three states and choose which one is best;  remember to justify your responses with reliable sources.

• If your last name begins with the letters A through L: Explain  the central components of the legal term and substantive criminal law  requirement for jurisdiction. At a minimum, your response must detail  all of the following: 
  • What is jurisdiction, and how does it affect criminal prosecution?
  • Can the type of crime determine jurisdiction for a court?
  • Distinguish between federal and state jurisdiction for courts in criminal cases.