Criminal Case – David Berkowitz, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy

For your final paper, you will apply the knowledge you have gained throughout this course by analyzing an infamous criminal case. As you do this, you will not only be looking at the sociological, biological, and psychological aspects of this case but also a detailed analysis of the legal aspects. 

First, choose from one of the following cases:

David Berkowitz

Ted Bundy

John Wayne Gacy

Andrea Yates

Jeffrey Dahmer

Charles Manson

Susan Smith
Dennis Raider

Richard Ramirez

Ed Gein
Ed Kemper

Aileen Wuornos

Or choose one of your own (if you choose this option please email your instructor for approval)
After conducting in-depth research write a 5-6 page paper that covers the following points. Your paper must include headings to clearly show how your paper is organized.

Description and background of the case

Sociological, biological, and psychological theories related to this offender’s behaviors
Specific life events that contributed to the development of pathology and violent behaviors

Psychological diagnosis of the offender

Details of how the offender was caught – what tools or strategies did law enforcement use?
Was there landmark case law that impacted this case? If so what and how?

Detailed discussion of the trial, verdict, and sentencing

A discussion of your view of the case and its outcome