Description
This course explores the imposition of the death penalty in the United States with particular attention to the influence of race and poverty, and the disadvantages of mental illness or intellectual disability of those facing death. Utilizing decisions of the Supreme Court and other courts, transcripts, articles, interviews with people involved in the cases, and other materials, it examines both the legal and practical aspects of capital punishment, including the role of the prosecutor, defense lawyer, judge, and jury; the evidence to be considered; the procedures employed; and the fairness of its application.
Course Takeaways
- This course explores the imposition of the death penalty in the United States with particular attention to the influence of race and poverty, and the disadvantages of mental illness or intellectual disability of those facing death.
Meet the Instructors
Stephen B. Bright is the Harvey L. Karp Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School and has been a fellow or visiting lecturer in law since 1993. He served as director the Southern Center for Human Rights in Atlanta from 1982 to 2005, and as its president and senior counsel from 2006 to 2016.
