In the course of examining our legal justice system, my Sociology classes have conducted an investigation of the death penalty.  Our research touched on many different issues surrounding captial punishment.

A Quick Synopsis
Racial Bias:  Several scholars contend that the death penalty is racially biased.  Proponents of this view claim that accused persons are more likely to receive a death sentence if they are minorities or if their victims are white.  Critics of recent studies counter that such studies are biased and limited by their relatively small statistical samples.

Legal Incompetence:  Recent studies also claim that the application of the death penalty is not merely flawed by racial bias; it is also tainted by the legal incompetence by defense lawyers.  Many in the legal profession contend that death penalty cases in most states are marred with serious and reversible legal error.

Comparison Between States:  The use of the death penalty varies greatly among states and regions.  The incidence of "legal incompetence" and serious judicial error varies as well.

Pro Death Penalty:  Although many sound arguments exist in opposition to capital punishment, supporters of the death penalty are vocal in defense of its use.  Advocates of capital punishment defend its use on several grounds.

Comparing the United States with the World:  The United States' use of the death penalty differs greatly with much of the world.  Some countries, in addition to the United Nations, have spoken out against the United States' approval of capital punishment.
 
 

RACIAL BIAS	PRO DEATH PENALTY
LEGAL INCOMPETENCE	COMPARING THE UNITED STATES WITH THE WORLD
COMPARISON BETWEEN STATES

RACIAL BIAS	PRO DEATH PENALTY
LEGAL INCOMPETENCE	COMPARING THE UNITED STATES WITH THE WORLD
COMPARISON BETWEEN STATES	PRO DEATH PENALTY

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