Reference no: EM133370965

Chris Rock, a well-known and long-time comedian, made a joke about Will Smith's wife at the 2022 Academy Awards prior to presenting an award. Smith's wife has a well- known and self-publicized history of a medical condition that results in extreme hair loss and as a result, shaved her head, the subject of Rock's joke. Smith rose from the audience and approached Rock on stage, slapping him in the face. After re-taking his seat, Smith subsequently yelled at Rock that: 'you (Rock) need to keep my wife's name out of your mouth' (paraphrased). Within the hour, Smith then went on to win an Academy Award, and in his acceptance speech, indicated that 'love will make you do crazy things' (paraphrased). Rock has so far declined to file a criminal complaint against Smith for this assault / battery, witnessed by millions on internationally broadcast live television. If prosecuted in the future, Smith may have the ability to assert a/some defense(s) in the nature of "justification" and "excuse". Take the position of his defense attorney and argue / explain any and all justification and excuse defenses indicating why each one may or why each one may not apply AND ALSO take the position of the prosecuting attorney and argue / explain why he should not be able to assert any justification and excuse defenses. Discuss each position in detail, including what else/other facts or information you may want to know that is not stated above that may impact your conclusion one way or the other, and/or identify any assumptions that you have made which you use to justify either position.