NBC News Evidence

Evidence #1 Pete Williams of NBC stated that “TJ Lang accused of killing 3 students at an Ohio High School last month and could face life in prison if convicted in an adult court with no possibility of parole.” Type of Evidence: – Observational Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 2 – Gives an example, but does not really support either side. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #2 Pete Williams of NBC news stated that “the Supreme Court struck down the death penalty for Juveniles 7 years ago.” Type of Evidence: – Facts and Statistical - Reading Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 2 – Gives an example, but the writing prompt does not ask about the death penalty. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #3 Pete Williams of NBC news stated that “38 states still allow life without parole for juveniles as young as 14. Many make it mandatory, and some have no minimum age.” Type of Evidence: – Facts and Statistical - Reading Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 2 – Factual, but does not favor either side. Both sides could use it to support their POV. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #4 Bryan Stevenson, an attorney for two juveniles accused of murder, stated that “Condemning children to spend the rest of their lives in prison is cruel and unusual punishment.” Type of Evidence: – Testimonial Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 4 – Strongly opposes the use of life without parole for juveniles. Credible Evidence: – Moderate credible source of evidence because Bryan Stevenson is obviously supporting one point of view.

Evidence #5 Pete Williams of NBC news stated that “the Supreme Court has also struck down life without parole for juvenile defenders in none murder cases, reasoning their brains are less developed, meaning they don’t consider the consequences of their actions.” Type of Evidence: – Facts and Statistical - Reading Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 4 – Strongly supports the argument life without parole for juveniles is unfair. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #6 Pete Williams of NBC news quoted Justice Brier as stating “Is there a minimum age?” Type of Evidence: – Testimonial Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 2 – both sides can use it to support their point of view. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #7 Pete Williams of NBC news quoted Justice Scalia as stating “Why don’t I just pluck a number out of the air?” Suggesting instead it should be left to the states. Type of Evidence: – Testimonial Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 3 – Could be used to support the argument that life without parole should be allowed. Credible Evidence: – Moderately-High credible source of evidence because Pete Williams is presenting a non-biased report.

Evidence #8 John Neiman, a lawyer for Alabama, stated that “If someone doesn’t deserve the death penalty for the particular crime, they deserve life without parole. That is the appropriate way to express society’s outrage at these sort of aggravated murders.” Type of Evidence: – Testimonial Strength of Evidence to support POV out of 4: – 4 – Used to support the argument that life without parole should be allowed. Credible Evidence: – Moderate credible source of evidence because John Neiman is obviously supporting one point of view.