Using the Case Method

How did you use Capital Punishment in Context in your classroom?

We invite you to share with your fellow professors how you incorporated Capital Punishment in Context into your classes. Please share with us your assignment, how many classes you used Capital Punishment in Context for, your students' reactions, and any other reflections or suggestions you might have. You can submit your experience using Capital Punishment in Context by emailing us here.

Professors Using Capital Punishment in Context

Deprivation of Liberty, American University, Dr. Robert Johnson (Lesson Title: Crime and punishment, prison and execution)

Class One: Assignment
Visit / and read through the Graham case. At the end of the case, there is a list of Issues Raised by the Graham Case. Click on the issue you were assigned in class. At the end of the material on the issue in question, there is a list of Questions for Further Analysis. Pick one question to answer. In answering that question, draw on one of the Resources listed on the right of the screen, in a text box. For example, one resource is called “Looking Deathworthy.” Click on that resource, read it, and use that material to help you answer the question you selected. Some of the Resources are very long. If you pick a long one, simply scan it to get some ideas. All I am looking for at this point is an effort on your part to think about the question you selected. Your answer can be in essay or outline form; you are limited to 250 to 300 typed words. Bring your answer with you to the next class.

Class Two: Working with the Graham Case
Students divided into 4 groups based on the issue they were assigned. After about 20 or so minutes of discussion, a group spokeperson shared with the class what his or her group discussed. Other students asked questions of Dr. Johnson as well.