Post on 12-Jan-2016
Capital Punishment
Bigger than Lowercase Punishment
What is it?WE DON’T EVEN KNOW!
O “Execution of an offender sentenced to death after conviction by a court of law of a criminal offense.” (Concise Encyclopedia)
O Limited to high crimes
HistoryO First evidence: Hammurabi of BabylonO Britain’s taste for blood influenced
colonies and worldO First American execution: Jamestown,
1608
History of The ShireO 1800s: Capital punishment is widely
challenged as cruel
O 1953: Rosenbergs are first civilians executed for treason
There and Back AgainO Furman v. Georgia (1972): Supreme
Court rules Georgia’s death penalty unconstitutional
O Gregg v. Georgia (1976): Revised death penalty supported
O 80s – 90s: Grim Reaper restrictedO 2013 Gallup Poll: Death penalty
support at all time low (60%)
A Divided NationO Legislation concerning Capital
Punishment has taken the national stage at various times
O Federal stagnation State’s Decision
O 32 states still practice death penaltyO Trend favors abolishing it
A Divided LawO Largest controversy: Should
criminals convicted before capital punishment’s abolition be executed? O New Mexico, Connecticut, and
Maryland
“It’s a pack of lies!!”-D. Gates
O Proponents claim capital punishment is more economical
O In fact, is astronomically more expensive O Capital trials, enhanced security on
death row, and legal representationO Since 1978 California has spent 4 Billion
on Capital punishment for only 13 executions.
Where’s the Party at?
O Split over issue no strong stance
O Large opposition at base
O Largely in favorO Strong stance
Interest Groups Interested in Abolition
O Amnesty International: Education and campaigning around the world
O National Coalition to Abolition the Death Penalty: Advocacy and legal support
O American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): “inherently violates the Constitution”
O Education, Litigation and Advocacy
O Support the death penaltyO (One of the few, the proud)
O Victim’s right to justiceO Deterrent to crime
Click to Add TitleO http://www.superteachertools.com/
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