Is the death penalty unjust because it violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, "cruel and unusual punishment"? Or is it just a form of permissible capital punishment? After weighing arguments for and against the death penalty, your young historians will write a letter to their state legislators stating whether they believe it should be permitted in their states.

Concepts

capital punishment, persuasive arguments, justice, the justice system

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Additional Tags

capital punishment, social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Include a discussion or readings of other primary/secondary sources before administering this writing prompt

Classroom Considerations

Pros

• Includes summaries of arguments in favor of and against the death penalty
• Primary source quotations regarding the death penalty from US Supreme Court justice, former governor, and ACLU

Cons

Common Core

WHST.11-12.1.a WHST.11-12.4 WHST.9-10.1.a WHST.9-10.4