Research Proposal

Capital Punishment 

English 102

Tia Lara

Introduction: 

Over the decade society has questioned whether or not Capital punishment; also know as the Death penalty should be abolished. Capital punishment has been around from the time the united states was formed; in 1776. Although it is legal in the united states not all states believe in punishment by death. This project will forces on what exactly capital Punishment is, why it was started, and both the pro’s and con’s of such a penalty. (preliminary thesis) 

Review of Literature:

Sources reviews so far include “ The Capital Punishment Controversy in Hungary: Fragments on the Issues of Deterrent Effect and Wrongful Convictions.” an article written by Zoltan J. Toth in the 2013 European Journal of Crime, Criminal Law and Criminal Justice. Toth discusses the debate on Capital Punishment in Hungary then goes into the topics of whether or not capital punishment is a crime deterrent, what if someone was wrongfully convicted and wether or not it is morally right to sentence someone to death.  “Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment: Preference For The Penalty Or Mere Acceptance.” by Marla Sandys and Edmund McGarrell focuses on the support of capital punishment under specie circumstances. The journal article “Close Up On Capital Punishment: challenging Students’ Ideas Of Justice.” by Christopher W. Harrison covers a social experiment conducted on students to help them find their voice as global citizens. Harrison also states in his article that Capital Punishment Challenges some of the most cherished and universal values. Whereas an article in the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency 2007 “ Reassessing The Racial Divide In Support For Capital Punishment : The Continuing Significance Of Race.” written by James Unnever, and Francis Cullen argue and debate over wether or not discrimination has a direct effect on the support of Capital Punishment. To determine if their hypothesis is correct the review data drawn from surveys across being a Native Southerner, Confidence in government officials, political orientation, and religious affliction. “ The Vicissitudes of Death by Decree: Forces Influencing Capital Punishment Decision Making In State Supreme Courts.” written by Melinda Hall, and Paul GannBrace for the University of Texas press. Takes into account multiple different states that use the death penalty and characteristics or traits in cases that could vary the verdict. Hall and GannBrace also state that whoever reviews the case can mean the difference between life in prison and death within capital states. 

Methodology: 

In addition to the sources collected so far, I will be looking for more articles in peer-reviewed publications on EBSCO, as well as federal publications concerning capital punishment. While reviewing more sources I hope to find more statistics, quotes, and other point of views. on top my online research I plan to visit local libraries to look for books on my topic rather than all online articles. I currently have not found someone to interview on the topic but I plan to, so that I can develop different feelings on my topic.  

Timeline: 

This coming week i plan to review my sources, pull out the information I plan to use and organize it so that when I go back to it, it wont be difficult. On Feb. 17 I plan to visit local libraries and look for books concerning my topic; the goal is to find a federal document or federal statement. By Feb 20. I plan to have my annotated bibliography completed. By Feb. 24 I plan to have informants lined up so that I may ask them about their feeling on my topic. On Feb. 27 I plan to have completed my literature review and within a week of that have my final outline, and abstract done. so that by Mar. 13 all I will have to do is polish my paper. Hopefully I’ll only have to pay for money in gas but I estimate a total of 48 hours of my time will go into this project. 

References

Hagin, Leigh D.,Eric Y. Drogin, and Thomas J. Guilmette. “ IQ Scores Should Not Be Adjusted For The Flynn Effect In Capital Punishment Cases.” Journal Of Psychoeducational Assessment 28.5 (2010): 474-476. ERIC. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. 

Hall, Melinda and GannBrace, Paul. “ The Vicissitudes of Death by Decree: Forces Influencing Capital Punishment Decision Making In State Supreme Courts.” Social Science Quarterly ( University Of Texas Press) 75.1 (1994): 136-151. Professional Development Collection. Web.25 Jan. 2014

Harrison, Christopher W. “ Close Up On Capital Punishment: challenging Students’ Ideas Of Justice.” Social Education 76.5 (2012): 249-250. ERIC. Web 25 Jan. 2014.

Lazere, Donald. “Camus And His Critics On Capital Punishment.” Modern Age 38.4 (1996): 371. Professional Development Collection. Web 25 Jan. 2014. 

Liberman, Peter. “Retributive Support For International Punishment And Torture” Journal Of Conflict Resolution 57.2 (2013): 285-306. Professional Development Collection. Web 25 Jan. 2014. 

McGarrell, Edmund F., and Marla Sandys. “ The Misperception Of Public Opinion Toward Capital Punishment.” American Behavioral Scientist 39.4 (1996): 500-13. ERIC.Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

Otto, CharlesW., Brandon K. Applegate,and Robin King Davis. “ Improving Comprehension Of Capital Sentencing Instructions: Debunking Juror Misconceptions.” Crime & Delinquency 53.3 (2007): 502-517. ERIC. Web 25 Jan. 2014. 

Rogers, Alan. “ Executing Democracy, Vol. 1: Capital Punishment And The Making Of America, 1683-1807 Executing Democracy, Vol. 2: Capital Punishment And The Making Of America, 1835-1843.” Journal of American History 100.3 (2013): 823-824.Professional Development Collection. Web 25. Jan. 2014. 

Sandys, Marla, and Edmund F. McGarrell . “Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment: Preference For The Penalty Or Mere Acceptance.” Journal Of Research In Crime And Delinquency 32.2 (1995): 191-213. ERIC. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. 

Toth, Zoltan J. "The Capital Punishment Controversy In Hungary: Fragments On The Issues Of Deterrent Effect And Wrongful Convictions." European Journal Of Crime, Criminal Law & Criminal Justice 21.1 (2013): 37-58. Academic Search Premier. Web. 16 Feb. 2014. 

Unnever, James D., and Francis T. Cullen.” Reassessing The Racial Divide In Support For Capital Punishment : The Continuing Significance Of Race.” Journal Of Research In Crime And Delinquency 44.1 92007): 124-158. ERIC. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

References

“ American Civil Liberties Union.” American Civil Liberties Union N.p.,n.d. Web. 25 Jan.2014. 

“Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)- Capital Punishment, 2011-statistical Tables.” Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS)- Capital Punishment, 2011-statistical Tables. N.p.,n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

Cohen, Andrew. “ The Death Penalty: Why We Fight for Equal Justice.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 19 Sept. 2011. Web. 25 Jan. 2014

Cohen, Andrew. “ Yes, America, We Have Executed an Innocent Man.” The Atlantic. Atlantic Media Company, 14 May 2012. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. 

“ Cruel and Unusual? A Short History of Capital Punishment in the U.S.” CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

“ Death Penalty Is Dead Wrong: It’s Time to Outlaw Capital Punishment in America- Completley.” NY Daily News. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014

“ On the Death Sentence.” By John Paul stevens. N.p.,n.p. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. 

“U.S. Death Penalty Facts.” Amnesty International USA. N.p.,n.p. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.

“ Vatican Statements.” Catholic Mobilizing Network. N..p.,n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014. 

“ What’s New.” Death Penalty Information Center. N.p.,n.d. Web. 25 Jan. 2014.