Case #1

Case 1: Ronald McDonald vs. State of Arizona
On July 17th, 2004, Ronald McDonald was arrested for possession of marijuana. It seemed that he was trying to add some extra special to his “special sauce.” Before police can say his Miranda rights, he says, “Where I come from, in Hamburgurland, that stuff is legal. My crime-loving friend, the Hamburglar, asked me to keep it in my car for him.”
The next day, police visit Ronald’s house, but he is not there. However, his roommate, Grimace, invites them in for a Big Mac and a cup of coffee. After an hour, one police officer asks to use the restroom and sees a deflated balloon in Ronald’s bedroom. After looking into it, they realize that it is Jack, the founder of Jack in the Box. The police then obtain a warrant to search Ronald’s car, using the crime he committed of possession. There they find the butter knife that Ronald McDonald used to pop Jack’s head. They immediately interview Ronald, who is still in jail. He confesses before anyone explains that he has a right to an attorney.
Ronald claims that he is not guilty of murder. He accidentally popped Jack’s head in order to save his life. Because of the Phoenix heat, Jack’s head was expanding and about to explode. Ronald thought he could create a slow leak that would let it deflate enough to save his life. Police claim Ronald murdered Jack, because he was jealous of Jack’s recent popularity and his fresh-ingredient approach to hamburgers. The trial was quick, with the result that Ronald was found guilty of first degree murder and sentenced to being French fried in hot oil and served with a supersized Coke.

Questions to Discuss
-What rights did the police violate?
-Was there enough evidence to put Ronald McDonald on trial?