1. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 1000th Execution

2. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 1000th Execution Supporters of the death penalty use as one of their main arguments the claim that the ultimate penalty is a deterrent to those who might commit a capital crime. Others argue that the deterrence theory is flawed because would-be criminals do not think about the consequences of their actions when they commit crimes. Do you believe the death penalty is an important deterrent of crime (i.e., murder) in states where it is still used? a)YES. If the death penalty deters even one criminal from committing murder it remains a worthwhile option. b)NO. The chances of the death penalty deterring anyone are so slim that the states should not use it.

3. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 1000th Execution The debate over the death penalty has changed in recent years because of the number of cases in which investigators (interested observers) have found DNA evidence that a particular death row inmate did not commit the crime for which he was convicted. Do the potential benefits (e.g., taking hardened criminals off of the streets for good) outweigh the risks of putting to death a potentially innocent person? a)YES. The benefits outweigh the risks. The death penalty should still be used as a punishment. b)NO. The benefits do not outweigh the risks. The chance of executing even one innocent person is too high a price to pay.

4. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved. 1000th Execution The Supreme Court has said that states can no longer put to death those who committed a capital offense prior to turning 18, and that states may not impose the death penalty on those deemed mentally retarded. Do you agree with these decisions? a)YES. It is barbaric to put to death minors, or those who do not have the mental capacity to be held responsible for their actions. b)NO. If someone commits a crime they should face the penalty for that crime, whatever it may be.