Death Penalty: Policy and Procedure - Law 996

This seminar will explore the statutory and constitutional rules regarding implementation of the death penalty in the United States. The course will begin with a brief discussion of arguments by proponents and opponents of the death penalty. The course will then address the development of the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment restrictions on the use of capital punishment. The course will also cover topics such as the selection of a "death-qualified" jury; the use of aggravating and mitigating evidence; and the use of victim impact evidence.