CJ 130 Introduction to Corrections

Seminar 8

SEMINAR OVERVIEW

Welcome Final Project Guidelines Arguments for and against the death penalty Deterrent Effects of the death penalty Death Penalty Safeguards Types of Execution Wrap Up

Final Project

Prepare a 5-6 page research paper comparing and contrasting the following Security Threat Groups or Gangs:

– The Aryan Brotherhood– Mexican Mafia– The Folk Nation– Black Guerilla Family, and – MS 13.

You must use five references and APA format 

DUE DATE: End of Unit 9

Final Project Grading Rubric

Organization 20 points

Content 75 points

Writing Style/Format 15 points

Research 30 points

140 Total

Be sure to include the following:

– Where each gang originated and who its founder was

– What its basic beliefs are – The prisons where it is the strongest

(geographically) – The prisons where it is the weakest – Whether it is growing or in decline – Its mission and its primary way of doing business – How dangerous it is (explain and give examples)

Final Exam

Focus on material from Units 6-9 (chapters 12-20). It is made up of both T/F and multiple choice questions. There are 50 questions, 2 points each, for a total of 100

points. This is an open book exam. You have two hours to take the exam. Make sure to hit the Submit button when you have

completed it.

DUE DATE: End of Unit 9

What is the most common method of execution in use today in America?

Lethal injection

What are the eight main methods of execution in current use worldwide: 

They are beheading, firing squads, electric chair, guillotine, lethal injection, hanging, poison gas, and stoning? Which one is your favor? (Smile) Check out this web site:

http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut3.htm

How many states currently have the death penalty?

Arguments FOR the Death Penalty

incapacitation-rid society of killer deterrent-send a message morally correct-biblical references proportional sanction- an eye for an eye reflects public opinion-67% of Americans

favor usage unlikely chance of error- legal controls and

appeals

Arguments AGAINST the Death Penalty

possibility of error-can’t undo it unfair use of discretion the most serious criminals escape death-

medical technology sets charge misplaced vengeance- emotional response no deterrence-crimes of passion

Arguments AGAINST the Death Penalty Cont.

hope of rehabilitation-murders are good release risks

racial, gender, and other bias- offender/victim relationships

causes crime-killers won’t give up brutalization effect- sends the wrong

message about killing expense- capital cases costs more

Legal issues in the death penalty

Furman v. Georgia (1972) - discretionary imposition of the death penalty in an arbitrary and capricious manner unconstitutional

Gregg v. Georgia (1976) –reinstated use of death penalty with the use of guided discretion

Will the Death Penalty Issue ever be solved? Is it cruel and unjust for one person to take the life of another and is it cruel and unjust for the Government to take the life of the murderer?

Which of these arguments do you support?

What are your personal views on the death penalty and why?

What do you think seems like a harsher sentence—death or life in prison without possibility of parole?

What has research shown about the deterrent effects of capital punishment?

What is your opinion of former Illinois Governor George Ryan who commuted 156 death row sentences in 2002?

Check out this web site: Illinois Governor George Ryan commutes all Death Row Sentences... Jan 11, 2003 ... Liberal coverage of crime-related political and injustice news. http://www.talkleft.com story/2003/01/11/687/84573

Does the system have enough safeguards against executing individuals who are innocent for the crime for which they are being executed?

What do you think about the requirement of DNA evidence when available for persons on death row to potentially prevent innocent people from being put to death?

Why are there a disproportionate number of Blacks inmates in our state prisons and on death row?

States vary in what types of execution is allowed from lethal injection, electrocution, lethal gas, hanging or firing squad. What about methods of execution? Do you believe that one is more humane and should be used more often than others?

 

Did you know that “91% of all executions in the world took place in China, Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Sudan and the USA? As an Americans do we want to be associated with these countries who execute people at an alarming rate?

What are your views of this web site on stoning?Stoned to death examplehttp://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7708169.stm

Your book reports that “the death penalty remains a poor man’s punishment.” What do you make of that?

WRAP UP

Any Questions/Concerns?

Next Seminar Topic: Prisoners’ Rights