Amber Guyger, the 31-year old ex-Dallas police officer, has taken the witness stand at her trial for fatally shooting Botham Jean, a 26-year old accountant who lived directly above her in September of 2018. Guyger claims that she mistakenly entered Jean’s apartment thinking it was hers, and shot Jean, whom she thought was an intruder. Prosecutors argue that Guyger did not act responsibly – she could have taken measures to back away and find cover, and that after shooting Jean, she could have administered life-saving measures. The defense, on the other hand, is leaning on the Castle Doctrine, a self-defense argument. Her fate rests in the hands of the jury, who must vote unanimously to convict Guyger. (On October 1st, 2019, the jury deliberated for less than 24 hours and found Guyger to be guilty of murder.)
Instructors, click on the link below to download this week’s lecture for use in your classroom.
The deck contains a writing prompt, a debate question, as well as other assessment questions.
Video
Articles
“Fate of former Dallas police officer Amber Guyger on trial for wrong-apartment murder in hands of jury”
“Judge Rules Jury Can Consider Castle Doctrine In Amber Guyger Murder Trial”
“In the Amber Guyger trial, the jury must decide whether she was reasonable to think Botham Jean posed a threat”
“’I Hate Myself,’ Former Dallas Police Officer Who Killed Neighbor Tells Jurors”
“’Unreasonable decisions’ or ‘horrible mistakes’? Jury to decide in murder case of Dallas officer Amber Guyger”
Assessment
- Writing: Briefly summarize the arguments made by both the prosecution and the defense in Guyger’s trial.
- Debate: Amber Guyger should receive the maximum sentence for fatally shooting Botham Jean.
- Poll: Do you believe that Amber Guyger acted unreasonably in her actions?
- Short Answer: What is the Castle Doctrine?
Current Events Quiz
1.) What is the maximum sentence that Amber Guyger can receive?
a. 25 years
b. 50 years
c. 99 years
d. death penalty
2.) The judge has said that the jury can consider the Castle Doctrine, which is an argument of
a. self-defense.
b. necessity
c. duress
d. insanity
3.) Who has decided Amber’s fate?
a. a judge
b. a jury
c. the people
d. the governor
- In order to sentence Guyger, the jury’s verdict must be unanimous. (T/F)
- Prosecutors argue that Guyger did not act reasonably. (T/F)
- Judge Tammy Kemp has ruled that the jury cannot consider manslaughter when sentencing Guyger. (T/F)
Featured Image: Mesquite Jail