Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Death Penalty

Topic: 8th Amendment (Cruel & Unusual Punishment/ Death Penalty) – Discuss the following in general where applicable and with specificity where applicable:

1. The history of Death Penalty overall. 2. The history of Death Penalty Texas. 3. The monetary cost of death row inmates in Texas 4. Your opinion on Death Penalty.

Content: Address the various sides of the issues by drawing your own personal conclusions based on your own analysis of the issue, and demonstrating an understanding of its complexities.

Compare and contrast: Compare and contrast the different viewpoints of sources used on your topic taking into account the limits of a position.

Submission: You will present an informed evaluation of the evidence and different viewpoint surrounding the topic. The paper should be typewritten and double-spaced, and based on information from a minimum of three sources (no maximum).

Length: You will submit a paper that is 7 – 12 paragraphs.
Writing style: Prepare your paper with few or no typographical errors, misspelled words, or grammatical errors and use proper paragraphing. You will improve your writing style by revising the paper as many times as necessary.
Citations: Anytime you borrow someone’s ideas, paraphrase or quote them, cite all sources using an appropriate method approved by the instructor. Analyze and question your sources assumptions. Also submit a bibliography or “work cited” page, using an appropriate method approved by the instructor.
Objective:

 Learn about a current political issue or problem of political consequence.

 Develop your Internet and library research skills.  Evaluate your topic from the perspective of different cultures/ political viewpoints as well as your own.

 Improve personal and social responsibility.  Improve communication and critical thinking skills.

Details Required:

 You must have 3 sources and you must use footnotes.

Assessment: Critical Thinking; Social Responsibility; Personal Responsibility; Written Communication