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

2. 8th Amendment Protects against:
excessive bail
“Cruel and unusual punishment”
But what constitutes a cruel or unusual punishment?

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. Death Penalty in U.S. by State

10. 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

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

14. 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

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

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

17. 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

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