Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.

Constitutionality of the Death Penalty

Web Link:  http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/articles/2015-06-29/justice-breyer-resurrects-an-old-debate-is-the-death-penalty-constitutional-  

This Bloomberg article discusses debates within the U.S. Supreme Court regarding the constitutionality of the death penalty

1. In what ways do justices differ in their perspective of the constitutionality of the death penalty?
2. How has the Supreme Court’s stance on the constitutionality of the death penalty evolved through the 20^th Century?

Race of Offender and Victim in Death Penalty Cases
Audio Link:  http://www.npr.org/player/v2/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=452898470&m=453885715

This NPR report discusses racial discrimination in jury selection and its relevance to a current Supreme Court case regarding a black man sentenced to death by an all-white jury.

1. What are the facts of Foster’s case in 1987?
2. What is the main argument in Foster’s case today?
3. What will be key factors the Court must consider when hearing this case?

Brutalization Hypothesis
Video Link:  http://www.nbcnews.com/news/crime-courts/anthony-ray-hinton-exonerated-alabama-death-row-inmate-freed-prison-n335251

This video shows Anthony Ray Hinton released from prison after spending 30 years on death row for a crime he did not commit.

1. What are the emotions shown by Hinton and his family?
2. What does Hinton’s lawyer say this case shows about the justice system?
3. Hinton spent 30 years on death row before exoneration. What would be the implications for the justice system if DNA evidence proving his innocence was found after his execution?