Welcome to Capital Punishment Online

CRJU 325-001

 

Professor Judith A. McDonald

Department of Criminal Justice

333 Western Avenue, Room 150

jmcdonald@wsc.ma.edu

(413) 572-5552

 

Course Description

 

This course focuses on capital punishment law, particularly U. S. Supreme Court decisions addressing the constitutional issues relevant to the death penalty. We will also explore historical, legal, empirical, and philosophical issues related to the death penalty and its administration.

 

It must be kept in mind that capital punishment is a much more complex issue than simply believing that someone deserves to die. Therefore, one should suspend judgment until these complexities have been explored. Professor Bohm recently noted, “One of the more unexpected findings of my research is that most people have a relatively strong opinion about the death penalty, even though they know little about it”. My objective in teaching this course is that you will develop a more informed opinion about capital punishment and also develop critical thinking skills that will serve you well in the future.

 

Required Texts

 

Capital Punishment and the Judicial Process, Randal Coyne and Lyn Entzeroth, 3rd edition. Carolina Academic Press

 

Capital Punishment and the Judicial Process: 2007 Supplement, Randall Coyne and Lyn Entzeroth. Carolina Academic Press

 

Course Objectives

 

Upon successful completion of this course, students should:

  • Be cognizant of the history, development, and current operation of capital punishment in the United States
  • Comprehend the Constitutional concepts and values of due process, equal protection, and fundamental fairness as it relates to capital punishment and its administration
  • Comprehend the alleged problems with the ideal of capital punishment and its practice in the United States
  • Demonstrate the capacity for critical thinking and ethical and moral reasoning
  • Comprehend the nature and significance of gender, racial, and class issues in the administration of capital punishment

 

Course Assignments

 

All assignments are posted in the “Weekly Assignments and Activities” folder on the homepage.

 

Students are required to check the “Weekly Assignments” folder for course readings and assignments, read the assigned materials, and respond to questions/exercises by the posted due dates. Successful completion of this online course requires students to read all assigned materials and participate in group discussions online (using the Bulletin Board Discussion forum).