Reference no: EM132887387

The discussion assignment provides a forum for discussing relevant topics for this week based on the course competencies covered. For this assignment, make sure you post your initial response to the Discussion Area by the due date assigned. Provide a detailed response to the topic questions in the Discussion Area. For this assignment, post your responses directly to the Discussion Area; do not attach any documents.

Start reviewing and responding to the postings of your classmates as early in the week as possible. Respond to at least two of your classmates. Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion. Complete your participation for this assignment by the end of this week.

Sentencing Disparities: The Death Penalty

History has shown a wide system of biases among states in the use of the death penalty. In Witherspoon v. Illinois, 391 U.S. 510 (1968) and Gregg v. Georgia, 428 U.S. 153 (1976), the US Supreme court attempted to address discriminatory practices of disproportionate execution of blacks in many states.

In this assignment, you will discuss the following questions:

Conduct a brief search and discuss existing views on the death penalty and sentencing disparities when it comes to race. Analyze whether the death penalty is used more often in cases involving minorities than nonminorities. If so, what remedies can be used to correct this disparity.

List the aggravating and mitigating factors recognized in your state.

Once you have listed the aggravating and mitigating circumstances, comment on whether you agree, disagree, or think that some others should be included. Explain your reasoning.