LAW 525 - Capital Punishment Law

Credits, 2 sem. hrs.

This course will examine the complex substantive and procedural law governing the imposition of the death penalty in the United States. The course will focus on the development of Eighth Amendment jurisprudence, discuss the role of aggravating and mitigating evidence, and consider limitations on eligibility for the death penalty. In addition, the course will analyze issues affecting the death penalty, including race, poverty, a client’s mental health, the adequacy of counsel, and prosecutorial discretion. Procedural issues, including motion practice and the pleading and practice associated with the state post-conviction petitions and federal habeas corpus petitions will also be discussed. The course use a standard casebook, and will also involve the students in solving problems taken

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