History and evolution
Arguments for and against the death penalty
An overview of the death penalty through Furman v. Georgia (1972)
Gregg v. Georgia and the modern system of death penalty regulation
Defining capital crimes
Aggravating and mitigating circumstances
Special defenses
Overview of arrest through execution
Jury selection and role of jurors
Guilt stage of trial process
Sentencing stage of trial process
Appeals process
Post-conviction challenges
Clemency and execution proceedings
Assistance of defense counsel
Race, gender, and other biases
Executing the innocent
Foreign and international law issues
Postscript: future of the death penalty.