LAW 6206 - Capital Punishment Seminar

2 Semester Credit Hours

The course studies the death penalty in the United States and Texas, with an overview of the constitutional law governing the death penalty; the history of capital punishment; and current issues surrounding the legal developments, social consequences and moral debate involving implementation of the death penalty. Topics will include an examination of a capital trial from the defense perspective, mitigation, restorative justice and limitations on executions, with an emphasis on the Texas capital murder statutory scheme in theory and application. A substantial writing requirement will be required on a topic of current significance and development within the capital arena.