Is the death penalty as we have it now cruel and unusual punishment? Support your answer
What will be an ideal response?
Answer: • Pro death penalty: A Georgia statute was passed allowing the jury or judge to take into consideration
aggravating or mitigating circumstances in imposing the alternate sentence of life imprisonment or
death. It was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in Gregg v. Georgia. In reaffirming that the death penalty
was not in violation of the Eighth Amendment guarantee against cruel and unusual punishment. As it is
now the actual penalty of death is not cruel and unusual itself.
• Against death penalty: In Coker v. Georgia, the U.S. Supreme Court held that the death penalty for the
rape of an adult woman was excessive and disproportionate to the crime so the death penalty is not
appropriate for all crimes but only the most heinous according to the SCOTUS. Since the Coker decision
was handed down, the U.S. Supreme Court has invalidated the death penalty in two other landmark
cases, establishing new approaches to death penalty limitations. Imposing the intent phase in such cases
does preclude the death penalty?s being imposed in most instances. The Constitution?s ban on cruel and
unusual punishment bars the execution of mentally retarded people.
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Few police agencies are working hard to introduce tools and methods to actually help people make more intelligent decisions
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
One major contributor to female criminality is ______.
A. a lack of education B. parental socialization C. drug use D. poor mother–daughter relations
Since 1997, there has been a steady decline in illicit drug use among eighth and tenth graders and young adults.
Answer the following statement true (T) or false (F)
Most researchers have found that, in comparison to a student with a healthy diet, a high school student who drinks soft drinks everyday and eats large amounts of candy ________.
a. is more likely to engage in violent behavior b. is more likely to engage in sexual activity c. is equally likely to engage in antisocial behavior d. will demonstrate no long-term trends in violent behavior