K. Hannegrefs

SLM 521 – Spring 2005

Web Drop-in #4

 

Death Penalty – A deterrent of deviance?

 

          Deviance is defined as the recognized violation of cultural norms.  Remember that norms are what virtually guide all human activities.  Deviance can be seen in many forms from crime to being overly enthusiastic about a new computer.

 

          Our focus today is on the deviance category of crime and its deterrents.  Your task today is to being preparing for the class debate on whether or not the death penalty is a deterrent of crime (deviance).

 

          By visiting the Death Penalty Information Center; you will begin to formulate your position on the death penalty.  Pro or con; the death penalty is the answer to controlling deviant behavior.

 

Arguments For and Against the Death Penalty

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu/c/about/arguments/contents.htm

 

1. Review the section titled “Deterrence.”  Be sure to read the arguments and testimony for each side.

 

2. After reading; write a brief statement of your view on the topic.  This should be around 250-300 words. 

 

3. Next, move on to finding supporting evidence for your argument.  Include a list of 7-10 statements/facts that will support your viewpoint.  You may use the following links.  Make sure to read any website carefully.  There may be bias in the arguments.

 

Death Penalty Issues

Deterrence and the Death Penalty

Facts about Deterrence and the Death Penalty

 

PRO DEATH PENALTY

Capital Punishment Saves Lives

Pro-Death Penalty.com

 

CON DEATH PENALTY

The Case Against the Death Penalty

American Civil Liberties Union