Introduction
There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the United States on the state and federal level. Each jurisdiction can have its own set of laws, including rules of evidence and procedure that govern how an individual’s rights are protected. A defendant may receive greater protections in one state jurisdiction than in another. During our review of the material, in the book, understand that often you’re learning about federal law or common law. However, Florida law mirrors federal law very closely. For example, the Federal Rules of Evidence and Florida Rules of Evidence are nearly identical substantively and are even numbered similarly. Florida simply adds a “90” in front of its rules of evidence. Federal Rule of Evidence 403 is 90.403 in Florida. As we learn more about the different laws that govern criminal procedure feel comfortable that your knowledge will be easily applied to any Florida scenario. Unless specified, please use Florida law when answering your assignments.
Case
View the video–Court Shorts: Right to CounselLinks to an external site.. Read the case of Rompilla v. Beard, in Chapter 12, Page 499 of your textbook; Was He Denied His Right to “Effective” Counsel?
Directions
Each FRCP assignment is an opportunity for you to explore and learn more about the rules of procedure for Florida. The rules of procedure are extensive, but once you learn to navigate them they will provide answers to most criminal procedure questions a person may encounter. You will apply the rules of procedure that are relevant to the legal scenario in your book. To complete your FRCP Assignment, you must:
Identify two rules of procedure that apply to the legal issues discussed in the case;
Summarize the meaning of two rules, including the relevant subsections;
Explain why you think the rules apply to the legal issues in the case (support your opinion by citing specific references to the language in the case).