Trends in Capital Punishment
Not what you're looking for?
One of the most controversial and current issues in criminal justice is capital punishment.
As of November, 2012, thirty-three states and the Federal government allow the use of the death penalty. Since 2007, four states have abolished the death penalty, and the rate of executions in the states that allow it has slowed dramatically. Several states have bills pending that have the potential to end or limit the use of capital punishment in those states.
Prepare a 3 Page report in a Microsoft Word document on the death penalty that covers the following points:
Illinois is one of the states that recently abolished the death penalty. Prior to making the change in the law, the governor had simply stopped signing death warrants. For what reason did the governor decide to stop approving executions? Was his reason valid? Explain your reasoning.
Describe the "Innocence Project," including its goals and procedures. Is this group effective?
Consider the recent Supreme Court cases of Roper v. Simmons and Atkins v. Virginia. Do these decisions indicate a trend? What can you surmise about future challenges to the death penalty, based on the current Court's recent decisions?
Last, summarize the case of Stanley "Tookie" Williams:
What were his crimes?
Why his execution was considered controversial?
After analyzing the case, indicate whether you support the decision to execute Williams and explain your reasoning.
Support your responses with examples.
Cite any sources in APA format.
Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary
The trends in capital punishment current issues are determined. The use of the death penalty is determined.
Solution Preview
Illinois is one of the states that recently abolished the death penalty. Prior to making the change in the law, the governor had simply stopped signing death warrants. For what reason did the governor decide to stop approving executions? Was his reason valid? Explain your reasoning.
The governor had a very valid reason to end his state's use of the death penalty as he relied upon cases that involved overturned death row convictions in the state based upon new DNA evidence. There were many of these cases, which caused the governor to stop signing death warrants and essentially issue a de-facto moratorium against the use of the death penalty in the state of Illinois. There was sufficient evidence that an innocent person may have been executed based upon the high volume of overturned death penalty cases.
Describe the "Innocence Project," including its goals and procedures. Is this group effective?
The Innocence Project is a group of legal professionals who save innocent men and women from unjust and illegal incarceration. The group of legal professionals as well as law students analyze cases wherein they believe that a miscarriage of justice has occurred and this can be proven in court. The objective is to free and release innocent ...
Education
- Associates of Arts , Lone Star Community College
- Bachelor of Science , Sam Houston State University
- Masters of Science, Kaplan University
- Masters of Science , Kaplan University
Recent Feedback
- "Thank you however I have two questions: 1.) where in this passage is the actual problem statement? 2.) if you used references can you please provide them? This is great work and I am so grateful. "
- "Thank you very much"
- "excellent analysis"
- "graet job very helpful"
- "Thank you, excellent and very detailed."
Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Title VII
This Quiz pertains to the spectrum of Human Rights through Title VII
Contract Requirments
How much do you know about the legal requirements for a contract? Find out with this quiz!
Evidence
Do you know your evidence objections? Find out with this quiz!
Constitutional Law Rights
How much do you know about Constitutional Law Rights? Find out with this quiz!
Title VII Laws
Learn the basics of the laws under Title VII.