Step 1: Research
Read about the Eighth Amendment in the textbook (Chapter 4, pages 139 – 140).
Read the following article from the Issues and Controversies database.
Capital Punishment: Should Capital Punishment Be Allowed in the United States?
(click the link to go to the article.)
You might be prompted for your TCC login to access the article.
Note Taking Tip: Take notes as you read. Since you know you are reading about two sides of an issue, one way to take notes is to have a page for the “for” side and a page for the “against” side. As you read, you can make note of unique perspectives, facts, and/or events that each side uses for evidence to support their viewpoint.
Step 2: Analyze and Evaluate
Consider both sides of the argument. What evidence was effective for supporting the perspective against the use of death penalty? What evidence was effective for supporting the use of the death penalty?
Based on the information you studied, how would you respond to the following questions?
Is the death penalty Constitutional?
Does the death penalty ensure justice for the most heinous crimes such as first-degree murder?
What, if any, alternatives to the death penalty should be considered?
Step 3: Analyze and Explain
3. Write a 150-250 word paragraph explain your reasoning for your perspective on the constitutionality of the death penalty, its use as a form of justice for the most heinous crimes, and potential alternatives to the death penalty.
