One+Flew+over+the+Cuckoo's+Nest

At the end of the film, "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" leaves open to interpretation the final consequences of the actions made by the characters. In this assignment, most of you will be working with a partner as co-counsel in a trial based on the actions in the film. You and your partner will construct a closing argument that will attempt to persuade the jury that your side of the issue is the correct view. You may incorporate scenes from the movie to bolster your argument. Each individual will be an attorney, and will serve as a jury member in the other cases. For each trial, the jury will decide the case.

It is up to counsel the method(s) you use to persuade. All members of counsel must be an active part of the presentation (i.e. no silent partners). Partners will be determined by blind draw. Choice of case will be based on Blackjack. Plaintiff/Prosecution will be first to argue.

Potential Cases

1. __People v. McMurphy__: The State of Oregon charges Randall Patrick McMurphy with the attempted murder of Mildred Ratched.

2. __People v. Bromden__: The State charges "Chief" Bromden with first-degree homicide in the death of Randall Patrick McMurphy.

3. __People v. Ratched__: The State charges Mildred Ratched with manslaughter in the death of William "Billy" Bibbitt

4. __Estate of William Bibbitt v. Oregon Department of Mental Health__: The estate of the deceased seeks damages for wrongful death.

5. __Estate of Randal Patrick McMurphy v. Oregon Department of Mental Health__: The estate of the deceased seeks damages for wrongful death.

6. __Oregon Department of Mental Health v. Ratched__ : Plaintiff seeks to dismiss defendant from employment on the basis of failure to properly perform her job.

7. __Oregon Department of Mental Health v. Cheswick__: The State seeks an order that places Charles Cheswick in involuntary custody due to mental illness.

8. __Ratched v. Oregon Department of Mental Health__: Plaintiff seeks compensation due to neck injury received from unsafe work conditions.

9. __Oregon Department of Mental Health v. Brooks__: The State seeks to remove defendant with cause from his position as director of the State Hospital due to his approval and participation in "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest."

10. __McMurphy v. Ratched__: In this argument, parties will persuade the jury that either Randal Patrick McMurphy or Mildred Ratched controls the ward.

Arguments should be concise and persuasive. You should also be thinking of what the other side's strengths and weaknesses are. Plaintiff/State will start, Defendant will conclude. You will be given all day Tuesday to work on the assignment. Oral arguments begin 5/25/2018.

Grading (75 points total) 40 points: quality of support for argument 20 points: persuasiveness 10 points: countering opposition 5 points: teamwork/use of time

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