Learn first, Debate later...The Death Penalty

Before we can debate, we must learn. So, regardless of what you think you belief is on the death penalty, our job today and next class is simply absorb the facts, read about why some support the death penalty and why others oppose, and begin to understand that there are many reasons for why people believe what they believe.

Today, we're going to be looking solely at one website, ProCon.org. This is a pretty fabulous website that focusses on looking at controversial issues by providing both sides as objectively as possible.

Part 1: Let's look at the overall reasons why people are either for or against the Death Penalty
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=002000

Part 2: Let's look at the background on the exactly what the Death Penalty is, what qualifies as a crime worthy of the death penalty, where the death penalty is legal, etc.
http://deathpenalty.procon.org/view.subissues.php?issueID=000132

Part 3: Let's look at some of the specific reasons why people are either for or against the Death Penalty. ProCon.org splits up the reasons into 6 categories. I'd like you to choose one to delve in deeper to and explore. I'd like for each category to have at least 2 people covering it, so we'll split them up.

1. Moral and Ethical Issues
2. Legal Considerations
3. Deterrence and Retribution
4. Social Issues
5. Death Penalty vs. Life in Prison
6. Religious Views