Educational Curricula

In the third edition of what some have called “the first true textbook on the death penalty,” author Robert Bohm, a correctional officer turned college professor, engages the reader with a full account of the arguments and issues surrounding capital punishment. His book, "DeathQuest III: An Introduction to the Theory & Practice of Capital Punishment in the United States," begins with the history of the death penalty from colonial to modern times, and then examines the moral and legal arguments for and against capital punishment.

We invite you to visit our balanced, dynamic EDUCATIONAL CURRICULUM ON THE DEATH PENALTY designed by the award-winning team at the Michigan State Com

As part of DPIC’s ongoing mission to serve the public with analysis and information on issues concerning capital punishment, we have developed a resource center for students. This page will assist students wishing to do explore issues surrounding the death penalty. There are ideas for debates and research papers as well as links to connect students with academic resources on capital punishment. The new link answers frequently asked questions, such as DPIC’s stance on the death penalty and how to cite information from the DPIC Web site.

The stage play of Tim Robbins' Academy Award winning film, Dead Man Walking, is available to colleges and universities across the country.  The play is based on the acclaimed book of the same title by Sister Helen Prejean.  Through the Dead Man Walking School Theatre Project, the play provides an opportunity to broaden discussion about the death penalty and involve schools and their local communities in an inter-disciplinary dialogue about this major social issue.  The Theatre Project's new Web site (http://www.dmwplay.org) i

As students return to the classroom this month, the Death Penalty Information Center is offering teachers an updated version of its free online educational curriculum on the death penalty and other resources to assist educators who wish to incorporate this topic into their classroom lesson plans. DPIC's  award-winning online curriculum was designed by the Michigan State Communications Technology Laboratory in conjunction with the Death Penalty Information Center.