Death Penalty: Additional Background Info

Now that you've looked at an individual case study and explored the law, it's time to examine the current status of the death penalty and how it operates. Please follow the steps below and blog your responses to the questions. Your responses can be separate paragraphs or one larger integrated piece.

• Read about the STAGES in a death penalty case. Be sure you understand all of the different steps inolved.
• RESPOND-What aspects of the stages in a capital case are designed to protect the rights of the accused? Do you believe that this system is sufficient to guarantee that only the guilty are convicted?
• Read about the different METHODS of execution.
• RESPOND-Which of these (if any) are the most humane? Should any be considered “cruel and unusual” according to the 8th Amendment? If so which? Why?
• Explore the state by state data found here. You can also see it in table form here, and here. (Note: While easier to read and compare in this format, these tables are only updated through 2008.  To get current state by state information go here.) Questions to consider as you explore include: Which states have the most inmates on Death Row? Which states have no death penalty? Which state has the most inmates on death row? Are there more blacks or whites on death row? Which state has the most women on death row? Are more men or women on death row? Why aren’t there any statistics for juveniles on death row? Which states currently do not have a life without parole option? What is the most commonly used method of execution in those states that have the death penalty? Which state has committed the most executions as of 9/08? Which state has committed the second most executions as of 9/08? Are there differences in number of executions by ethnicity? What method of execution is most common?
• RESPOND-What sorts of conclusions can you draw from this data? What does the state by state data tell us about how the death penalty is used? What regional or other trends do you see? What might this data tell us about issues of equality, arbitrariness,and justice?
• Click on this document to read the former Illinois Capital Murder statute.  RESPOND-what do you think?  Was it fair?  Should the crimes listed have death as a potential punishment?  Why or why not?  Go back to the state by state data and click on Illinois to find out the current status of the death penalty in Illinois.  Does the data tell you anything about why the Illinois death penalty is no longer in effect?  If not, make an inference.
• Take a look at the updated CHART put out by the death penalty information center.
• RESPOND-How does the information here influence your previous response? What does this data say about the economics of the death penalty? What does the data say about the influence of race on the death penalty? What does the data say about public opinion for the death penalty? Looking at the information overall, what point of view would you say that the Death Penalty Information center has? Is it convincing? Why or why not? What additional information would you like?
• BONUS-For Dexter fans.  Read the blog posted here.  RESPOND: If Dexter were caught, should he receive the death penalty?  Why or why not?