Tabitha Burnett Final Presentation

1. The Theoretical Frameworks of Charles Manson Final Presentation by Tabitha Burnett

2. Charles Manson & His “Family”: A cult that followed Mansion’s beliefs of “ Helter Skelter”.

3. “Helter Skelter” Charles Manson believed in the idea that “an apocalyptic war he believed would arise from tension over racial relations between blacks and whites” (DZBO, 1). He named this prediction “Helter Skelter” after a Beatles song written by Paul McCartney. Video of The Beatles “Helter Skelter” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rmlHzE8NLvs&feature=player_embedded

4. From Music To Murder Charles Manson “and the Family would create an album with songs whose messages concerning the war would be as subtle as those he had heard in songs of The Beatles” (Wiki, 1). Deriving from the belief that the white man was going to be conquered and black man was going to rise, Manson and his followers defaulted to murder of seven innocent people and twenty-seven acts of murderous crimes in the state of California. Link for Manson Murder Documentary http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iENo3wibvuw

5. Verdict At the end of the trial, “January 25, 1971, guilty verdicts were returned against the four defendants on each of the twenty-seven separate counts against them” (Wiki, 1). This meant that Manson and three of his “family members” were found guilty in all of the murder charges that were charged against them.

6. Punishment On April 19th, 1971 following the guilty verdicts the four defendants were sentenced to the maximum penalty of death. Due to the abolishment of the death penalty, Manson’s sentence was reduced to life in prison with the next parole hearing in 2012.

7. Utilitarian vs. Retributive Theories Utilitarian Theory: Basically, a theory that supports the greatest amount of happiness in the world by whatever means. Retributive Theory A theory the portrays t idea that the punishment should be equal to the crime. Sort of an “eye for and eye” approach.

8. Retributive Theory and Charles Mansion In the initial sentencing of Charles Manson, retributive theory was used. By him being sentenced to the death penalty it was placing even punishment for the actual crime. i.e. He killed innocent people therefore he should be killed himself.

9. Utilitarian Theory and Charles Manson In the result of the abolishment of the death penalty, utilitarian theory was placed into action. Mansion is now serving life in prison. This is an action of utilitarian theory because it serves a punishment while promoting the most positive outcome. Utilitarian theory portrays that Capital Punishment is “cruel and unusual punishment” (Bedeau, 1).