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The Eighth Amendment protects Americans from "cruel and unusual" punishment, as well as excessive fines. Does capital punishment (the death penalty) fall under those guidelines? Many states say no. Do you believe the death penalty is a proper punishment for serious crimes? Before you answer this question, follow the links below to gather information. As you research, answer the following questions:
- How many states still use the death penalty?
- Does Iowa use the death penalty?
- What methods are used by the government to kill inmates?
- Is the death penalty confined to certain regions? Do we see it more in the northeast? Southwest? Midwest?
- What is the crime rate in those states/regions?
- Does the death penalty have any bearing on the crime rates (do you think that it would be higher or lower without the death penalty and why)?
- Has it been shown to deter crime?
- How does it impact states financially?
- What does public opinion say about the death penalty?
- If we abolished the death penalty, what other methods would be effective in deterring serious violent crimes?
Based on your answers to these questions, write a one-to-two paragraph answer defending or protesting the use of the death penalty using information from this or other sources. Your focus should center on whether the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment or not. You must use at least two arguments to support your cause but you may use more. Be sure to back up your arguments with supportive statements.
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/
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