Juvenile Perceptions on Capital Punishment

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the relationship between race and capital punishment. Specifically the researcher explores the racial differences in attitudes toward capital punishment, focusing on juvenile opinions. The paper examines factors affecting views on capital punishment, arguments for and against, attitudes towards the death penalty and provides a review of the literature used in the paper.

Outline:
Introduction
Literature
What Predicts Death Penalty Support?
Arguments For and Against Death Penalty
Public Opinion and Attitudes
Death Penalty Attitudes of the Offender
Death Penalty Attitudes of Juveniles
Summary of the Literature
Discussion
Conclusion
References

From the Paper:

"Attitudes among juveniles regarding capital punishment are just as heated and challenging as they are among adults. While few studies directly explore the relationship between the death penalty and juveniles, there are reports provided by some empirical researchers suggesting by and large, the juvenile population is just as divided as the American people are on the issue. As noted in the introduction, the Death Penalty Information Center (2006) suggests at least 50% of all adults support the death penalty. However, the same group when offered other alternatives including the alternative of life without parole are likely to change their minds and their opinions of the death penalty. In ancient times, most people unequivocally supported the death penalty, as there were few resources available to conduct elaborate or even minimal burials to individuals that had committed crimes (Bedau & Cassell, 2004)."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Baker, David N., Lambert, Eric G. & Jenkins, Morris. (2005 Mar) Racial differences in death penalty support and opposition: A preliminary study of white and black college students. Journal of Black Studies, 35(4): 201-224
• Barkan, Steven & Cohn, S. (1994). Racial prejudice and support for the death penalty by whites, Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, 31(2): May: 202-209.
• Bedau, Hugo A., & Cassell, Paul G. (2004) Debating the death penalty: Should America have capital punishment? The experts on both sides make their best case. New York: Oxford University Press.
• Cochran, John & Chamlin, Mitchell. (2006) The enduring racial divide in death penalty support. Journal of Criminal Justice, 34(1): 85-99.
• Taylor, D.L. (2000) Cultural mistrust and racial divides. Social Pathology: A Journal of Reviews, 6(1): 199-212.

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