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 WorldII. The Church's Teachings on Capital Punishment
The Catechism
Papal Pronouncements
Statements of the United States Catholic BishopsIII. 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 PunishmentCatholic 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