1. In general, why does the system punish criminals?
2. Which theory fits death penalty the best? Why? For example, you can discuss retribution,
deterrence, incapacitation, religion, Durkheim, and/or Beccaria
3. Discuss the history of capital punishment Pre-Furman (1972).
4. Which century was the most important? What happened then? For example, you can discuss
the Salem Witch Trials, Code of Hammurabi, deterrence, the Great Law, abolitionist movement,
and public opinion trends
5. There were several main cases discussed in chapter 3: Furman v. Georgia, Gregg v. Georgia,
Coker v. Georgia, Lockett v. Ohio, McCluskey v. Kemp, and Stanford v. Kentucky. Choose ONE case. Summarize the concurring and dissenting opinions. Who do you agree with? Why? Don’t be afraid to disagree with the majority. Also, please be sure to discuss amendments associated with the case and maybe some aggravating and mitigating factors.
6. Should you be able to execute juveniles or mentally disabled people? Pick two cases discussed in the chapter (can be main or additional cases)
Choose a theory to support your claim. Discuss an amendment or two. Feel free to also discuss the DSM, Solicitor General Allen Winsor, etc.
7. Does the death penalty deter crime? Why or why not?
8. Discuss deterrence theory, specific and general deterrence, and the 3 principles of punishment. You may also choose to include the perspective of criminologists, sociologists, and economists as well as the brutalizing effect, Gerald Schroeder, and Pascal’s wager.
9. Does the race or gender of the defendant and/or victim influence the death penalty? Why or why not? Does one influence more than the other?
Use statistics from the textbook.
10. How have developments in science impacted the death penalty? Specifically what advancements have been made (DNA, brain imaging, etc..)? Are there any problems with these advancements?
11. What is the Innocence Movement? Discuss how the big six impacts this movement: eyewitness misidentification, false confessions,
informant testimony, bad science, ineffective defense counsel, and government misconduct. What compensation is involved (ex. Charles Fain)?
12. How much does it cost to keep the death penalty? Use statistics from the book. How long does the court process take? In your opinion (using materials from the whole class)- SHOULD WE KEEP CAPITAL PUNISHMENT AS AN OPTION? WHY OR WHY NOT?