Mark broke into Laura's home in the middle of the night intending to steal Laura's flat-screen television, laptop, and whatever money he could find. In the middle of the burglary, Laura, hearing some noises, woke up and grabbed her gun to protect herself. As she entered the hallway, she saw Mark, screamed, and then shot him. Laura then dropped the gun and ran out of her home to her neighbor's, where she called the police. When the police arrived, Mark had died. How is this incident likely to be reported under the uniform crime reports? If Laura lives in a state participating in the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), how differently would it be reported? Are there any other reporting mechanisms that will reflect this incident? What "costs" will Laura likely incur?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Answers will vary, but students should discuss the crimes of burglary, larceny, and homicide, all as felonies. They should also discuss that the uniform crime reports (UCR) are likely to list this only as a homicide and an issue of the right to bear arms, self-defense, and the "castle doctrine." Students should also note that under the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), this incident will address the burglary and larceny as well as the homicide and self-defense issues and that in both instances, the case is likely to be cleared exceptionally. Students should address the "costs" of money as well as emotional well-being.