Chapter
Mother Defends Herself in Court
30:59 - 37:36 (06:37)
A mother testifies in court that she argued with her partner after he accused her of cheating, she threatened to take their children with her, causing the argument to escalate further.
Clips
The sudden passion defense allows a murder defendant to claim that the victim provoked their own death, potentially leading to a lesser charge or sentence.
30:59 - 34:27 (03:28)
Summary
The sudden passion defense allows a murder defendant to claim that the victim provoked their own death, potentially leading to a lesser charge or sentence. However, this defense can be controversial and difficult to prove in court.
ChapterMother Defends Herself in Court
EpisodeBefore the Storm
PodcastDateline NBC
The trial for the murder of Crystal McDowell has begun and the prosecutor brings in young witnesses to testify.
34:27 - 35:42 (01:15)
Summary
The trial for the murder of Crystal McDowell has begun and the prosecutor brings in young witnesses to testify. Meanwhile, the evidence against Stephen McDowell mounts up as the jury makes intriguing requests.
ChapterMother Defends Herself in Court
EpisodeBefore the Storm
PodcastDateline NBC
A mother's court testimony about a domestic dispute in a child custody case is challenged by the defense, while she discusses the emotional toll of the legal proceedings on her.
35:42 - 37:36 (01:53)
Summary
A mother's court testimony about a domestic dispute in a child custody case is challenged by the defense, while she discusses the emotional toll of the legal proceedings on her.