The Death Penalty & the 8th Amendment U.S. Government

8th Amendment Protects against: excessive bail “Cruel and unusual punishment” But what constitutes a cruel or unusual punishment?

What is cruel/unusual? Guide to cruel/unusual: the frequency at which the punishment occurs in society, overall acceptance in society, severe (the punishment fits the crime), and if the punishment is arbitrary.

Are these punishments cruel & unusual? Explain why! 1. Solitary confinement 2. Life in prison 3. Death penalty A. Beheading B. Firing squad C. Lethal injection

Death Penalty in the United States Also called “Capital Punishment” U.S. is only Western nation still using it Capital punishment here is as old as the United States Lethal injection: Combo of drugs to sleep, rest, and die

Debate For Retribution (“eye for an eye”) Brings closure to victim’s family Deters murder Prevents offenders from murdering again It is the “ultimate penalty”– nothing is worse

Debate Against “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind” Everyone has the right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness 70% of all death sentences are overturned Person found guilty is not actually guilty Death penalty doesn’t deter murder Death Penalty is racist Death Penalty cases are actually very expensive

Attitude toward death penalty in U.S. 1. About how what percent of Americans favored the death penalty in 2006? 2. When was the last time more people opposed the death penalty than in favor of it? 3. What percent of Americans opposed the death penalty in 1995?

Death Penalty in U.S. by State

Death Penalty in Wisconsin 1st (and last) execution in 1851 Outlawed death penalty two years later People were disgusted and shocked by first execution WI was the first state to outlaw death penalty

Death Penalty and Murder Deterrence The South accounts for 80% of executions South also has highest murder rate

Death Penalty and Cost Average costs for person executed in FL: $24 million Average costs for person executed in TX: $3 million Amount to keep a person imprisoned in solitary confinement for 40 years: $1 million

Quick Write 1. What are the positive aspects of the death penalty? 2. What are the negative aspects of the death penalty?

Make this chart in your notes Death Penalty GOOD Death Penalty BAD

What do you think? On a sheet of paper, write down your answer to the following question in paragraph form… Should the death penalty be outlawed in the United States? Why? Should be at least 5 sentences Turn in basket when done

Thesis The death penalty should/should not be outlawed in the United States because . . . (include your three reasons)