What is parole? If you were a parole officer and had to decide whether or not to file complaints against your parolees, what violations and crimes would you definitely file complaints for and what would you most likely overlook? Explain your rationale.
Several states have made changes to their parole policies in the last few decades. What changes did Florida make to their parole policies? In your opinion, why did Florida make these changes? Do you agree or disagree with the changes? You may use research outside of the textbook to answer these questions.
Discuss the different methods of execution in the United States. What is the most commonly used method in the United States? What are some of the controversies surrounding this method?
Discuss the cases Furman v. Georgia and Gregg v. Georgia and the impact that these cases had on the death penalty in the United States.
Read an account of a death row inmate. Describe your thoughts and views as you read what the inmate has written. How do inmates deal with being placed on death row? The appeals process can take ten or more years from conviction to execution. Why does it take so long and could this length of time be seen as cruel and unusual punishment?
