CRIJ 4320 Death Penalty

This course provides an in-depth examination of the death penalty in the United States, with a dual focus on the legal foundations of capital punishment and the phenomenon of wrongful convictions. Students will analyze the historical evolution of death penalty legislation, key Supreme Court rulings shaping its modern application, and the social, ethical, and procedural controversies surrounding its use. The course also considers cases of actual innocence and death row exoneration, exploring investigative errors, prosecutorial misconduct, forensic issues, and the role of innocence projects in reform efforts. Emphasis is placed on critical evaluation of legal processes, empirical research, and policy implications for justice system reform.