Case Study 9: Waco
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| Read "Case Study 9: Waco." It is on reserve in
the library. You should also read the following: |
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| Time
permitting, we will supplement the class discussion with a PBS Frontline video entitled
"Waco: The Inside
Story". The video picks up where the case ends and examines the FBI's efforts
to negotiate with David
Koresh and the Branch Davidians. To
help you prepare your assignment and participate in class discussion you may want to
examine some of the different
perspectives (and conspiracy theories) surrounding the ATF and FBI raids
on the Branch Davidian's compound that have sparked so much controversy.
If you are interested in the conspiracy theories, you may want to check out a video entitled "Waco: The Big Lie" that argues that the
government has gone to great lengths to cover up illegal actions. The litigation surrounding the
incidents at Waco and the allegations of a cover-up by the FBI even sparked
(pardon the pun) a new
investigation and appointment of a special prosecutor. Despite the
findings that supported the FBI, charges of a government cover up
remain. |
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Assignment
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| Once you have read the case, prepare a memorandum that answers the following questions: |
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 | Imagine you are a staff person working for a congressional committee
investigating the initial ATF raid on the Branch Davidian
compound. Prepare a memorandum for the committee that critiques
the actions of the ATF and identifies any problems with the agency's
behavior. Be sure to include recommendations that will help
avoid similar problems in the future. |
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| Your memo should follow the guidelines for analyzing cases
and preparing memos provided on this web site. |
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Class Discussion
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| After reading the case carefully, you should come to class
prepared to discuss questions such as: |
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- Who are the principal actors or players?
- How was the case affected by the sequence of events?
- What do you think about the ATF's decision to use dynamic entry? Was
this decision justified at the time?
- What do you think of the ATF's planning? Should steps have been
taken to prepare for the raid that were ignored?
- What were the major problems with how the ATF dealt with the media?
Did the media act properly?
- How would you have acted if you were the ATF special agent in
charge?
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| Students are reminded that failure to actively participate in case discussions will
adversely affect your class participation grade. |
