1. In some states, a defendant may ask for only a judge to make the decision on a court case. In some states, one may request a jury trial. Do you think it is a good idea for only a judge to make the decision, or do you think that there should always be a jury trial? Why or why not? How would you defend your position? Be sure to reference all sources using APA style.

2. The Federal Rules of Evidence give guidelines for when evidence about a person's character may be considered admissible in court. Consider the following:

• What do you think the purpose for having guidelines about the admissibility of character evidence is? Give one example of a situation where character evidence was inadmissible in a criminal trial.
• The admissibility of character evidence for the victim of rape at the trial of the alleged rapist is a controversial topic. Explain reasons why a judge may or may not admit character evidence about a rape victim at trial.