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How to approach the state's position? Obviously, defendant wants as little punishment as possible. But what does the state want? To maximize it?

Basically, how does criminal law warrant a different way of consideration as opposed to civil law classes?

Theories of punishment:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punishment

Federal sentencing guidelines:
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I always approached it as the state wanted to get as many possible charges and to go for the most grievous charge possible. Meaning if you were talking about murder, then the state is looking to prove first degree murder (pre-meditation and deliberation) and if that is likely to fail then go for second degree, then manslaughter, etc. Then you try to hook in all possible accomplice, conspiracy and Pinkerton doctrine to tack on even more charges.

That way my strategy and I got through with a solid A. It should be noted my Prof was an ex-NY DA and was very anti defendant, so I am sure that helped

Thanks! Very helpful.

Dman wrote:I always approached it as the state wanted to get as many possible charges and to go for the most grievous charge possible. Meaning if you were talking about murder, then the state is looking to prove first degree murder (pre-meditation and deliberation) and if that is likely to fail then go for second degree, then manslaughter, etc. Then you try to hook in all possible accomplice, conspiracy and Pinkerton doctrine to tack on even more charges.

That way my strategy and I got through with a solid A. It should be noted my Prof was an ex-NY DA and was very anti defendant, so I am sure that helped

yup! Start from the highest possible chargeable offense then work you way down till it fits!