Dallas Agurments Flashcards
What is a key counterargument regarding Officer Dallas Perkins’ bias?
Perkins’ strong anti-vaping stance could lead him to prematurely blame vaping for Dickie’s distress, without exploring alternative causes.
What supports Officer Perkins’ conclusions about black-market vaping?
Perkins’ extensive experience and certifications support his conclusions about the dangers of black-market vaping, especially with substances like THC and Vitamin E Acetate.
What is a counterargument related to causation in Dickie’s case?
The vape pen’s proximity doesn’t prove Dickie’s collapse was caused by the vape pen, and her asthma may have been the primary factor.
What strengthens the claim that vaping contributed to Dickie’s distress?
The vape pen’s presence and the lab results connecting THC and Vitamin E Acetate strengthen the claim that vaping contributed to Dickie’s distress and eventual death.
What issue arose from Perkins delivering vape pens to the ER?
This created a gap in documentation during the transition between the ER and the evidence locker.
(p. 14, ll. 68-70)
What is the defense argument regarding the gap in documentation?
This gap undermines the reliability of the evidence, introducing reasonable doubt about the connection between the evidence and Dickie’s death.
What is the prosecution’s counterargument to the defense’s claim about documentation?
The crime lab reported that the evidence bags’ seals were intact upon receipt, ensuring no tampering occurred.
(Exhibit #3, p. 36)
What issue was identified regarding documentation at the scene?
Perkins failed to document the exact location of each vape item and did not take photos or additional notes before removing the items.
(p. 14, ll. 35-39)
What is the defense’s argument about the lack of precise documentation?
This creates ambiguity about the origin of the evidence and weakens the case’s foundation.
What is the prosecution’s counterargument regarding the lack of documentation?
Perkins prioritized preventing further harm and his written report outlines the evidence seized, aligning with standard police practices in emergencies.
What issue arose from Perkins’ interview with Jules Chapelle?
Perkins ‘lectured’ Jules about the dangers of vaping, suggesting a personal bias that may affect his objectivity.
(p. 15, ll. 81-82)
What is the defense argument regarding Perkins’ remarks during the interview?
His remarks indicate an emotional response rather than an impartial investigation, casting doubt on the credibility of his testimony.
What is the prosecution’s counterargument about Perkins’ interview approach?
The ‘lecture’ was a minor comment and did not affect evidence collection; Perkins’ anti-vaping stance is based on professional expertise.
What issue did Perkins acknowledge regarding the scene investigation?
He acknowledged that he could have conducted a more thorough investigation, including interviewing additional witnesses.
(p. 14, ll. 103-106)
What is the defense argument about the limited scene investigation?
Perkins’ narrow focus on vaping may have led him to overlook other possible causes for Dickie’s collapse.
What is the prosecution’s counterargument regarding the scene investigation?
The immediate priority was addressing the medical emergency and securing evidence; gaps in the initial investigation do not negate lab results.
What are the key arguments for the defense?
- Chain of Custody: The gap in documentation undermines the reliability of the evidence.
- Documentation: Lack of precise evidence handling creates reasonable doubt.
- Bias: Perkins’ personal stance against vaping could have influenced his focus.
- Incomplete Investigation: Failure to consider alternative causes weakens the case.
What are the key arguments for the prosecution?
- Emergency Circumstances: Perkins acted appropriately under time-sensitive conditions.
- Evidence Integrity: The lab verified the evidence’s seals were intact.
- Professional Expertise: Perkins’ remarks stem from his professional experience.
- Lab Results: The presence of THC and Vitamin E Acetate supports the claim that vaping contributed to Dickie’s death.
