Arguments for and against the death penalty
Basic constitutional challenges and limitations
Constitutional parameters of the current era death penalty
Substantive criminal law issues
Defining capital crimes
Trial-level procedural issues
Overview of arrest through execution
Jury selection and role of jurors
Guilt stage of trial process
Sentencing stage of trial process
Appeals process
Post-conviction challenges
Clemency and execution proceedings
Special death penalty issues
Assistance of defense counsel
Race, gender and other biases
Executing the innocent
Foreign and international law issues.