Select one standard crime against persons such as: 
Assault 
Rape 
Kidnapping 
Battery 
Any standard crime against persons 
Select a state to research 
Select a state statute to research the elements for the selected crime. The Legal Research link provides 
instructions in conducting research in locating state statutes. The Webliography area of the course and the 
McAfee online Library can be used as well along with any reliable criminal justice resource. 
For the selected state, write a description of the elements of the current state statute for that crime 
Research historical common law and write a description of the elements of the crime under based on historical 
common law. 
Compare how the elements of the crime have changed from the historical common law to the current state 
statute. 
Discuss possible reasons for the changes from the historical common law to the current state statute. 
Suggest new changes in the statute, based on society’s needs today. Include specific examples from personal 
experience or current events.