Sociology of Law in Real Life: James Desmond Booth v. Florida

3188 Words7 Pages

James Desmond Booth, who is presently 30, had received good grades all throughout all his years in school and had a good family life, after being adopted by his grandparents. He also played varsity basketball in his hometown, at New Smyrna Beach High School. His grandmother, Beulah Booth, stated that her grandson was also a good father to his daughter and infant son, while other family members suggested that he loved his young children and he continues to make contributions in their lives. It is peculiar that a man with these beginnings and familial connections went on to receive seven felony convictions, with some including “possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon” (Frederick 2014 p.1: Sept. 29, 2009). After sitting in on the current trial brought against Mr. Booth and taking notes, sociological theories of crime were utilized to help to interpret the previous actions of this particular man’s history of misconduct.

About a week ago, Booth was on trial for the murder of 46 year-old Debra Gibson, a confidential informant for the police, as well as witness tampering, at the Volusia County Courthouse in Deland. The case was heard before Circuit Judge Randell H. Rowe, III. Assistant State Attorneys Ryan Will and Ed Davis prosecuted Booth, while J. Peyton Quarles and William F. Hathaway were his defense attorneys.

The prosecutors explained in their opening statement that Booth sold drugs to Gibson in December 2010, and was subsequently arrested for the transaction shortly after. After Booth was arrested for drug trafficking, he suspected Gibson was the confidential informant in the case against him. Booth planned to murder Gibson to prevent her...

... middle of paper ...

...deeper into the goals and intentions of these individuals, such as Booth, when committing these unlawful acts in society, to come to many other possible conclusions.

Works Cited

The Daytona Beach News-Journal. 2014. “New Smyrna Beach informant killer sentenced to life.” Retrieved April 25, 2014 (http://www.news-journalonline.com/article/20140421/NEWS/140429920?Title=New-Smyrna-Beach-informant-killer-sentenced-to-life).

Crime & Punishment. 2014. “James Desmond Booth Found Guilty in 2011 FL Slaying of Debra Gibson.” Retrieved April 25, 2014 (http://www.cncpunishment.com/forums/showthread.php?9197-James-Desmond-Booth-Found-Guilty-in-2011-FL-Slaying-of-Debra-Gibson).

Frederick, Henry. HeadlineSurfer. 2009. “Jail Docket.” Retrieved April 25, 2014 (http://headlinesurfer.com/content/218523-jail-docket-following-booked-volusia-branch-jail-are-presumed-innocent).

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