Evaluating Penalties
The purpose of this assignment is to analyze ethical considerations regarding the controversial punishment parameters surrounding the death penalty. You will evaluate the death penalty using critical thinking skills to analyze course concepts and real world issues. When you respond to the below prompts, you will also be inserting your stances on the issue while reviewing the current social climate, pros and cons on the punishment, and taking into consideration advocacy pushes for nationwide death penalty elimination and prison reform.
Watch the short video below which gives you an inside look at death row in Arizona:
Write a 3-4 page paper with an introduction, several paragraphs of content, and a well-rounded conclusion addressing ALL the prompts below. Do not use the questions in your composition, but create headings to address them. Your composition should be in APA format with at least 6 in-text citations. Write in Times New Roman 12 pt font, double spaced, and include 3 references outside your textbook. Your title page and reference page do not count toward the total pages. Review the rubric for expectations in content quality.
How is capital punishment implemented in Indiana? What types of criminal offenses can garner this outcome?
Do you support capital punishment? Provide arguments supporting your view. Are your arguments utilitarian or from some other ethical system?
Does the death penalty deter crime? If so, how? If not, why not?
Should the death penalty be used for retribution for victims and/or society? If so, why?
Does the death penalty offer closure or solace to victims’ families? If not, why not and discuss criminal justice alternatives for closure or restoration. (hint: you might research real world cases to see what victims say about these issues to understand it from their perspective.
