1. Explain some of the reasons for the decline in death sentences and executions. Please do not just list. Explain the reasoning/rationale behind the decline for each.

2. In re-instating the death penalty in Gregg v. Georgia, the Supreme Court established particular procedural safeguards necessary to ensure its constitutionality. What are these procedural safeguards? Why are they important in terms of the constitutionality of the death penalty?

3. Jurors play an important role in capital proceedings. What are some ways to ensure that capital juries are fair and impartial during the trial and sentencing? Is there any way to eliminate or reduce possible racial bias in jury decision making?

4. In Penry v. Lynaugh, the Supreme Court held that, though mental retardation may be a mitigating factor, it did not warrant automatic exclusion from execution. In Atkins v. Virginia, the Court overturned this, asserting that it was unconstitutional to execute a mentally retarded offender. What happened between Penry and Atkins to bring about this change?

5. Explain the importance of the innocence movement and how it has impacted or changed the death penalty debate. What are the core arguments or themes of the movement? Do you believe it will continue impacting the death penalty debate in the future? Why or why not? If so, how will it impact the debate?