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This panel explores the contentious and deeply impactful history of the death penalty in America, tracing its origins, evolution, and the modern legal battles that continue to shape its future. The death penalty has been a focal point of moral, legal, and political debates for centuries, reflecting broader societal values and the ever-evolving landscape of American justice. 

The discussion will bring together historians, legal scholars, activists, and attorneys who have argued landmark cases to examine the complex history of capital punishment in the United States. Starting with the colonial era, where the death penalty was a common form of punishment for a wide range of offenses, the panel will chart its transformation through the 19th and 20th centuries, including critical shifts in public opinion, legal standards, and the methods of execution. 

A significant portion of the discussion will focus on the modern era, particularly the Supreme Court’s role in shaping the death penalty’s application through landmark cases such as Furman v. Georgia (1972), which temporarily halted executions, and Gregg v. Georgia (1976), which reinstated the death penalty under new guidelines. The panel will also examine recent legal battles, including the ongoing debates over lethal injection protocols, the death penalty’s application to juveniles and those with intellectual disabilities, and the growing movement to abolish capital punishment altogether. 

Through this historical and legal lens, the panel aims to comprehensively understand how the death penalty has evolved and the critical role the courts have played in determining its fate. The discussion will also address current and future challenges, considering how recent court decisions and shifting public opinion might influence the trajectory of the death penalty in America.

Justice 101 is a discussion series examining the history of the justice system in America, from its founding to today, and the impact it has on society, citizens, and the world. Justice 101 programs are free and take place monthly. You can join us live at the times listed, or watch the discussions back anytime on YouTube. Justice 101 is designed for learners of all ages.