Identify and discuss salient issues raised by the death penalty. Currently, only 31 states recognize use of the death penalty as a sanction. States that use the death penalty as a sanction must...

Identify and discuss salient issues raised by the death penalty.

Currently, only 31 states recognize use of the death penalty as a sanction. States that use the death penalty as a sanction must preserve the rights of a prisoner through state and federal constitutions. The U.S. Supreme Court hears many challenges to the death penalty based upon the argument that it violates the Eighth Amendment as cruel and unusual punishment. In addition, the U.S. Supreme Court must address civil rights issues that arise in death penalty cases. The economic realities of the death penalty have caused serious reflection by many states regarding the economic sense of using the death penalty.

1. How do abolitionists view the death penalty?

2. What effect did the Furman v. Georgia decision have on the death penalty?

3. How did the case of Gregg v. Georgia reopen the use of capital punishment?

4. What is a bifurcated trial process?