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Sociology 12/5

Criminology

Lecture on Hypnotically Refreshed Testimony

Discussion: Should hypnosis, and similar techniques, be used in the criminal justice system? Why or why not?

I hope all of you have found someone to interview for your project. If you are still having trouble locating someone, I may be able to arrange something for you. Please come to me after class with questions or concerns.

Death and Dying

Lecture on Euthanasia

Discussion: Considering the ramifications personally as well as socially, do you believe people have the "right to die"? Should people be able to choose when to end their lives absolutely, should there be laws that allow only physician-assisted suicides and how should they be written if so, or should no one be able to make that choice for themselves?

And for your information, you will be having a final exam. Please begin reviewing your course materials. A study guide will be made available at a later date.

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Welcome

John comes into class.

"Hypnosis? No, I don't believe that should be used in any kind of legal setting. While it might be able to get to memories and details that were buried or regressed, there is also the possibility of being coerced or talked into remembering details that might benefit the wrong person. If the subject of hypnosis is easily persuaded and easily talked into things, someone could use hypnosis to gain a confession, pin a crime on someone, find buried evidence that convicts someone, and a slew of other things that could be harmful and/or implicate the wrong person."

"You seem to have a strong opinion on the matter. Thank you for sharing."

Cameron stares at the subject line of today. Maybe he got de-cubbed too soon. "I'm sure there are benefits to hypnosis, but using it should only happen when the person it is being used on gives full consent." He says firmly.

"Good to see you in human form, again." Grissom grins. "What about a situation where a victim of a crime gives their consent to be hypnotized? Should what is revealed by the process be used in a trial against a defendant? They aren't being hypnotized, but that hypnosis could affect them drastically."

"Thanks, s-Grissom. It's good to be... human." Cameron looks thoroughly embarrassed and quickly tries to answer the question, even if it's not entirely a subject he's comfortable with. "I think it could possibly bring new insights in a case. My main concern would be that it's easy to suggest something or ask a leading question during the hypnosis and make the victim believe something happened while it hasn't. It might just be safer to leave hypnosis entirely out of the trial or leave it as something optional like a lie detector as long as people are aware of the risk involved."

"I don't think hypnosis should be the final word or anjything," Angela says, "but it seems to me like it might work really well for some people -- if, like, they were drugged or too traumatized to remember something consciously. I see John's point about coercion through hypnosis, but that's an issue in regular interrogation too."

Grissom looks pleased by Angela's response. "It is a complicated issue, once again. Excellent evaluation of both sides of the topic. Thank you."

Maia came in and sat down looking thoughtful...

"I don't think hypnosis should be allowed as evidence, similar grounds as a lie detector being inadmissible in court, however I think it can be used to warrent further investigations like a lie detector does. I think that it has a place in helping people recall things that they don't want to deal with such as a suspects face or something like that, but to put someone in prison based entirely on the testimony of someone under hypnosis is something that I hope to never see."

Welcome

Buffy signs in and starts taking notes on the lecture.

Grissom smiles at Buffy and nods in greeting.

Buffy smiles back at Dr. Grissom and takes good notes.

Rogue signs in and listens carefully, taking notes. She frowns occasionally, as if she's upset about something outside of class.

Grissom notices Rogue's discomfort and gives her space, smiling softly to let her know she can talk to him if she wishes.

Stark sat quietly through the lecture, making an occasional note. Then he considered the discussion topic for a moment before speaking.

"Yes, they have the right to die. Sometimes that's the only thing left. Keeping someone alive against their will is wrong. Very wrong. Don't let them do it lightly, but you have to let them die if it's what they want. Or what they need. Can't just keep them alive because it suits you."

Grissom looks solemn, but intrigued by Stark's thoughts. "But don't those who are dying have a reponsibility to those that they love and are leaving behind?"

"Yes. You should always consider those you love, those you'll be leaving. It's not a decision to be made lightly. But if it's your life, it should be your decision. Freedom in death is just as important as freedom in life, I think."

"Sir," says Archie firmly, "as far as I am concerned, anyone who has seen men suffer through the kinds of grievous and undignified injuries that I have would be less than human to say that some of them ought not to have the right to die. The extensiveness of your modern bureaucracies leaves me somewhat perplexed, but I would submit that the choice should be left up to the person whose life is at stake unless they are in no capacity to dictate."

Grissom nods and crosses his hands in front of him on his desk. "I think you have an excellent point about government sometimes impeding on our natural rights, although perhaps in our society today it is an acceptable burden. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Archie."

Sawyer signs in and takes note on the lecture, this topic interests him more than anything.

Allie signs in and frowns at the lecture.

"I don't think anyone has the right to make a decision like that for someone else," she says. "When you become a doctor, you take an oath to uphold and protect life and doctor assisted suicide is in direct violation of that oath."

Callisto listens intently to the lecture.

"I think there shold be some kind of counseling process involved before anyone makes a choice like that."

*signs in*

Grissom's ~~working on his crossword~~ working on his crossword and eating ramen. Feel free to mock him for eating ramen, or yell at him as the case may be.

Maia glanced at his food and raised an eyebrow "You know that's just noodles and a bullon cube right? There is enough sodium in that to kill a cockroach." She laughed and sat down. "How are you feeling?" Her eyes were soft and concerned "This really isn't a healthy to be eating you know."

Grissom scowls before smirking. "Funny, you don't look like my mother ~~The Lovely Bea Arthur~~."

Maia laughed and sat down raising an eyebrow "No, but I am as old as your mother so stay healthy for goodness sake." Maia sat back smiling "So you haven't said, how are you feeling?"

Grissom chuckles with her, as he ponders the wisdom of having a friend that he can't bullshit for a moment.

"I've been better," he admits. "It's proven to be... difficult."

Maia reached out and patted Grissom's hand after a moment of hestitation. "It will be over soon." She leaned down and got an apple out of her bag "Healthy snack?" She held it out for Grissom if he wanted it.

"Yeah," he mutters. "I suppose it will, one way or another."

He takes the apple, but places it on the desk, next to his mostly untouched noodles. "Thanks."

Maia tilted her head a slight frown on her lips "Are you ok?" Her voice was full of concern. "Do you need anything, shall I get Sara?" Her voice tightened on the name but she pushed it aside with her concern for Grissom.

He comes off a bit gruff, but it's out of his own personal frustration, and not because he's annoyed with her.

"Maia, no. I'm fully capable of taking care of myself."

Maia jumps a little at Grissom's tone but she nods. "I know you are." Her voice was very quiet "But sometimes, its nice to let people who care about you help you. Its not about taking care of you or your ability to take care of yourself, its about letting people help because..." Maia hesitated "because thats what people do for their friends." She finished staring down at her hands now.

Grissom is silent for a moment, and then looks up.

"I apologize. That was uncalled for. I didn't mean to snap at you, I'm just not having the best day. Thank you for your concern, I appreciate it."

Maia rose slowly and nodded. "It's ok, no need to apologize." She frowned and then laid her hand on Grissom's shoulder "It's going to get better." She looked into his eyes for a moment and then nodded giving his shoulder a squeeze. "We should go have coffee sometime." She said still watching him.

He sighs. "How about a glass of wine? Easier on the digestion," he says with a tentative smile.

"I am sorry."

Maia's smile brightened "Wine would be wonderful. Just say when and we'll do that." Maia picked up her bag and smiled again. "I know you are, its ok."

"I'll give you a call this evening, once I can take care of things here."

He tossed the ramen out and picked up the apple. "I'll see you later."

Maia smiled as he took the apple. "Alright I'll talk to you later." She walked out of the room wondering what in the world to get Grissom for Christmas

After class, Rogue approaches Grissom's desk. "Um, sir, Grissom, can I ask you something?" She pauses for a moment, and rubs the back of her neck in an obviously nervous gesture. "I've been...hearin' rumors, lately. About, well, about someone I used to--well, still care about. And I was wondering if you had any idea what I should do about it." She smiles anxiously, adding hurridly, "I know you're not a, a counselor or anything, but I really feel like I can trust you."

"Sure, Rogue. I can listen, at least." He gives her a small smile. "Did you want to go across the hall to my office, or is this okay?"

"This is fine." Rogue shrugs. "It's just...I've been hearin' people saying this person did something very bad. And I know she couldn't have done it, because, well. I just know it." She bites her lip, looking extremely distressed. "I think people are believin' this. Even though anyone who knows her, knows it can't be true. But these rumors are spreadin' like a disease."

Rogue's shoulders droop. "I just don't know what to do."

[[This is fine for broadcast. She's talking in generalities anyway, since she doesn't know anything for sure, just rumors.]]

"A rumor can be a very dangerous thing," Grissom says quietly. "Have you spoken to your friend? Is she aware of these rumors?"

Rogue shakes her head. "I haven't talked to her. We're...not really that close right now." She shrugs, a self-consious smile on her face. "It's complicated, really." Sighing, she adds, "I want to talk to her, but I'm nervous about it. And I'm not sure what I'd say. 'I'm hearing at school that you're an evil person.' I don't know that she'd take that well, especially if she's already heard them for herself.

"I just know she didn't do this, Grissom, I just know it!"

"You seem convinced of your friend's... innocence. But things are not always what they seem," he says sadly. "I know it may be difficult, but I would talk to her if you could. Approach her privately, and ask for her side of the story. She may be upset at the situation, but she will probably be comforted there is someone willing to listen to her side of the story. I wouldn't act until you know where she stands, and what the whole truth is."

He pauses, "Is it safe, for you to do so? Could I help you in any way? I could speak to someone in the administration for you if you are worried about anyone's safety."

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Sociology 12/5

Criminology

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