Writing

Writing Prompt: The Death Penalty

Curated and Reviewed by Lesson Planet
This Writing Prompt: The Death Penalty writing also includes:

Is the death penalty unjust because it violates the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, "cruel and unusual punishment"? Or is it just a form of permissible capital punishment? After weighing arguments for and against the death penalty, your young historians will write a letter to their state legislators stating whether they believe it should be permitted in their states.

75 Views 56 Downloads
CCSS: Adaptable
Instructional Ideas
  • Include a discussion or readings of other primary/secondary sources before administering this writing prompt
Classroom Considerations

Pros
  • Includes summaries of arguments in favor of and against the death penalty
  • Primary source quotations regarding the death penalty from US Supreme Court justice, former governor, and ACLU
Cons