Was Ernesto Sanchez in the wrong place at the wrong time, or is he a member of a violent criminal gang? Sanchez admits that he was caught up in a parking lot gang fight in his rough neighborhood and stabbed Patrick Connor, who died of the wound. Sanchez says he stabbed Connor in self-defense after Connor hit him with a baseball bat. The witnesses agree that Sanchez was on the ground and Connor was standing over him. What happened next is in dispute, as is whether Sanchez is a gang member or just a local resident who was in the wrong place at the wrong time. This unique file focuses on gang activity and non-traditional experts whose qualifications are experience rather than education.

New to the Third Edition:

Updated skull sketches to reflect Ernesto's assertion that they are for Dia de los Muertes
Cultural information about the Day of the Dead in relation to skull drawings

Professors and students will benefit from:

An opportunity to examine implicit and explicit biases and learn how to address them in a courtroom situation
A variety of witnesses let participants weigh the advantages and disadvantages of calling each witness
Multiple forms of exhibits allow participants a chance to practice laying foundations

New to the Third Edition:

Updated skull sketches to reflect Ernesto's assertion that they are for Dia de los Muertes
Cultural information about the Day of the Dead in relation to skull drawings

Professors and students will benefit from:

An opportunity to examine implicit and explicit biases and learn how to address them in a courtroom situation
A variety of witnesses let participants weigh the advantages and disadvantages of calling each witness
Multiple forms of exhibits allow participants a chance to practice laying foundations

State V. Sanchez: Case File