Catholic Perspectives on Capital Punishment


This three-session seminar will examine Catholic teachings and thinking on the issue of capital punishment. Topics to be treated will include: papal and other Catholic pronouncements relating to the death penalty;
arguments for and against the death penalty, and constitutional problems surrounding the application of the death penalty. The sessions will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. on June 6, 13, and 20 (all Mondays) in the St. Aloysius Library.  Seminar leaders will be Prof. Jim Bolner, Sr., and Prof. Greg Hussey.  Seminar website: http://bodoc.net/cathpers/capitalpunishment/capitalpunishment.htm.  For more information please write to jimbolnersr@cox.net or phone 766.5987.
 

 Outline

    I. Introduction
       Background
       Constitutional and Legal Issues
       The Practice of Capital Punishment in the United States and in the World  

  II. The Church's Teachings on Capital Punishment
       The Catechism
       Papal Pronouncements
       Statements of the United States Catholic Bishops       

 III. The Challenge of Capital Punishment in the United States
       What are Catholics Called to Believe?
       What are Catholics Called to Do?


Internet Resources:

Interview with Sr. Helen Prejean, C.S.J.

Catholics Against Capital Punishment

Catholic Campaign to End the Death Penalty (March, 2005)

United States Catholic Bishops Plan Drive Against Death Penalty (March 21, 2005)

United States Catholic Bishops' Statement on Capital Punishment (1980)

Capital Punishment and the Catholic Church

Catholic Teaching on Capital Punishment 

The Death Penalty and the Catholic Church 

Capital Punishment - USCCB Website

The Catechism on Capital Punishment and Related Issues 

Capital Punishment Statistics (from the U.S. Department of Justice)

Capital Punishment Statistics (from the University of Alaska)

Facts About Capital Punishment 

Facts About Deterrence and the Death Penalty


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