COLL-E 104 The Death Penalty in America (Sandys) (S&H) (3 cr.)

In our current legal system, the death penalty is presented as the ultimate punishment for the ultimate offense. This course considers whether the application of the death penalty in America meets that standard. In particular, the class will be guided by the following types of questions: What crimes are eligible for the sentence of death? How are decisions made about who receives a sentence of death? Is there racism in our system of capital punishment? Why are people in favor of or opposed to capital punishment? What role does possible incentive have in discussions about the death penalty? What is the purpose of a system of capital punishment?