#1
What is a common critique of the death penalty process in the United States?
It is racially biased
ExplanationCritique revolves around racial bias in the death penalty system.
#2
In the United States, which method of execution is the most common?
Lethal injection
ExplanationLethal injection is the predominant method of execution in the U.S.
#3
Which U.S. state has the highest number of executions in history?
Texas
ExplanationTexas holds the record for the highest number of executions in U.S. history.
#4
What is the term for the process of challenging potential jurors based on their perceived biases or predispositions?
Peremptory challenge
ExplanationProcess is known as peremptory challenge, challenging jurors based on biases.
#5
What is the main argument against the death penalty based on its discriminatory impact on socio-economic groups?
It disproportionately affects the poor
ExplanationMain argument is that the death penalty disproportionately affects the poor.
#6
Which Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is often invoked in death penalty debates?
Eighth Amendment
ExplanationEighth Amendment is frequently cited regarding cruel and unusual punishment.
#7
What is the term used for the process of selecting a jury for a death penalty case?
Voir dire
ExplanationProcess is called voir dire, selecting an impartial jury.
#8
Which state was the first to abolish the death penalty in the U.S.?
Michigan
ExplanationMichigan was the first state to abolish the death penalty in the U.S.
#9
What is the 'Lockett protocol' associated with in the context of the death penalty?
Execution by lethal injection
ExplanationLockett protocol is linked to the procedure of execution by lethal injection.
#10
What is the 'innocence argument' in the context of the death penalty?
Arguing against wrongful convictions
ExplanationInnocence argument challenges the possibility of wrongful convictions in death penalty cases.
#11
Which landmark case established the standard for proving ineffective assistance of counsel in death penalty cases?
Strickland v. Washington
ExplanationStrickland v. Washington set the standard for proving ineffective assistance of counsel in death penalty cases.
#12
Which U.S. Supreme Court case ruled that the execution of individuals with intellectual disabilities is unconstitutional?
Atkins v. Virginia
ExplanationAtkins v. Virginia established unconstitutionality of executing the intellectually disabled.
#13
What is the primary argument against the death penalty based on the risk of wrongful convictions?
It is irreversible
ExplanationConcern is the irreversibility of the death penalty if a wrongful conviction occurs.
#14
Which international human rights treaty prohibits the use of the death penalty?
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
ExplanationProhibition is stated in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
#15
What is the term for the process where a death penalty sentence is changed to life imprisonment?
Sentence commutation
ExplanationProcess is called sentence commutation, converting death sentence to life imprisonment.
#16
What is the role of the clemency process in the death penalty system?
To reduce or eliminate a death sentence
ExplanationClemency process aims to reduce or eliminate a death sentence.
#17
In what year did the U.S. Supreme Court reinstate the death penalty after a brief moratorium?
1988
ExplanationDeath penalty reinstated in 1988 by the U.S. Supreme Court after a temporary halt.