Unit 3, AC: 3.2
Model Write-up
Mark: 14/15
What you have to do:
- 15 marks
- Draw objective conclusions from information on criminal cases (including
reference to the brief), in relation to the following:
1) Safe verdict
2) Miscarriage of justice
3) Just verdict
4) Just sentencing
5) Assignment brief
- You should show the skills needed to analyse the information in order to draw
conclusions based on reasoned evidence.
- Where relevant, make reference to the brief in your answer (needed to reach
top mark band)
- Case studies must be used for each heading - aim for two for each heading
- Make sure you come to conclusions after each case regarding the safeness of
the verdict
1) Safe verdict
A safe verdict is one that is reached based on all relevant facts of the matter following a just
trial. In order to attain a secure verdict, two elements are necessary: the evidence must be
admissible, reliable, and credible, as well as sufficient to justify the verdict; court procedures
must have been correctly followed during the trial. Reynard Sinaga, a convicted serial rapist,
committed 159 sexual offences against 48 men. His modus operandi involved luring men
from bars and nightclubs to his apartment, where he would film himself sexually abusing
them. Sinaga faced 136 counts of rape, and the prosecution presented over three terabytes
of digital video evidence showcasing his assaults and rapes. The trial proceedings adhered
to all necessary procedures, ensuring a safe verdict. The evidence presented was deemed
reliable, admissible, and credible, making this case a secure conviction. Unsafe verdicts and
miscarriages of justice typically occur when there are issues either with the evidence or with
the trial process itself. In such instances, the defendant may seek to appeal against the
'guilty' verdict.
2) Miscarriage of justice