1. Jay Johansen and Eric M. Freedman use national and state statistics to support their views of the death penalty’s deterrence effect on murder rates. What effect, if any, does the fact that Texas executes more death row prisoners than all the other states combined have on these statistics? In your opinion, does the death penalty deter violent crime? Why or why not?
2. Dan Lungren argues that the criminals who are imprisoned under the “three strikes” law are violent felons who get what they deserve. According to John Cloud, however, many of those imprisoned by the “three strikes” law are nonviolent drug users who pose no threat to society. Based on your reading of the viewpoints, should the “three strikes” law remain as it is or should it be amended or repealed? Explain your answer.
3. Andrew Peyton Thomas argues...