4-22-03

Class discussion questions

From Bedau, Chapter 29:

1. Why do death penalty cases cost so much more than non-capital cases?  Be specific.
2. What were the results of the Duke University study?  Be specific.  Who commissioned this study?
3. What is the range of figures presented in this chapter for the additional costs required in capital cases?  Why do you think these figures vary so much?

From “Cost of Gilbert trial,” (Course packet, pp. 66-69)

4. Go over the expenses in the Kristen Gilbert case.  Do you think they seem justified or are they excessive?  Explain.
5. Which of these expenses are unique to a capital case? 

From “Counties Struggle,” (Course packet, 70-72) [I forgot to put this article on the syllabus.]

6. What does the Katherine Baicker study indicate?
7. What is the state “risk pool” that the author refers to?

From all readings:

Do you think the general public would respond favorably or unfavorably to an argument that the death penalty should be abolished because the money could be put to better use?  Explain.  Be specific.