Starter Activity For or Against the death penalty? Write your opinion on the paper provided, and then fold and sellotape your answer closed.

Aims and Objectives Aim: Discuss arguments for and against capital punishment Objectives: Develop an understanding of the basics of capital punishment To cover a range of arguments, to include Ethical, psychological, sociological and legal arguments for and against the death penalty.

Task Read “Criminology for Dummies” pages Complete handout provided “Death Penalty: The basics”

Is the death penalty ever justified?

Case Studies Read the case studies provided to you in groups, and summarise on posters what crime’s the person had committed. Argue cases for and against this person receiving the death penalty.

Arguments for and against capital punishment: A Philosophical and Religious Perspective Task Read the handout provided and answer questions on the three different topics: Retribution Deterrent Reform Discussion point: Do religious and philosophical debates have any use to us in the decision to use capital punishment in society?

The Law Does the Death Penalty abuse article 3 of the UN convention of human rights? What about people who are later found innocent? Read article provided

Sociological Debates: Against Who gets targeted? Who do you think is more likely to receive the death penalty? P1NE P1NE

Sociological Debates: For Deterrent Reinforces norms and values Helps the victims Restores faith in the justice system

Problems with the Death Penalty: A Psychological Perspective Read the Article: “Looking death worthy” Summarise the findings on the sheet provided Discussion point: Is this a strong enough argument to go against the death penalty?

Task Discuss in groups your opinion on capital punishment based on the new evidence discussed. Open your cards and summarise: Is your view still the same?