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Death Penalty Law and Process (LAWS 5720)

Course Info

The course offers a review of the death penalty process, theory, and law from trial through execution, including examination of state laws and federal habeas corpus law. The course focuses on the legal principles implicated by the death penalty and also examines the social issues it raises including the social/legal arguments against the death penalty, race and gender issues, and the influence of political and other factors on the process. Recommended preparation: Evidence (LAWS 4808 or LAWS 4906).

Prof. Benza

Prof. Michael Benza
Prof. Michael Benza teaches Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure I, Death Penalty Issues, the Death Penalty Lab, Federal Prisoner Rights, International Perspectives on the Death Penalty, as well as coaching the International Criminal Court moot court team and he previously coached the Mock Trial team.

Syllabus

The syllabus for your course is available on Canvas.

Textbook

Study Aids

These study aids are available online.  Please click the hyperlinked title to view them. For instructions on how to use the specific platforms, including troubleshooting, please view Andy Dorchak's Study Aids Research Guide.

Research Guide

 Course Guides