Executions drop to a 14-year low in 2008- RESPONCE

I was very excited about this article because I am always interested in current events and the economy is one of the most controversial issues facing the world today. This article talks about how the death penalty is becoming less and less popular and suggested that one of the reasons might be the economy.
In California, the death penalty system costs more than 100,000,000 dollars a year! People are beginning to ask whether this is the way we should be spending our money.

Executions drop to a 14-year low in 2008 (article#4)

The death penalty has becoming increasingly unpopular in recent years, dropping to an all-time low of 37 nationwide in 2008. This article reflects upon reasons why and brings up the interesting and controversial point of cost: "A California state commission reported in June that its death penalty system costs more than $100 million a year to administer." And how this relates to the current economy.

Samara's Response

Phoebe, capital punishment is scary!! I think your start so far is great. The articles are very controversial and provoking. It makes me sad that they would convict minors. Isn't that against the law?? I don't know. ... That's not right, no matter what the crime. They should go to a therapy type setting to alter there behaviour so they won't commit crimes. Keep up the good work!!

Alex Hadik- Blog Comment

Phoebe-
You have some great research here however I have a couple pressing comments and questions.
First off, I am confused as to how you are arranging your comments and your notes. I have not been able to clearly differentiate between pure notes and the notes with your comments weaved in. Just stating that. It might help you down the road to have that more clearly defined.
Secondly, you seem to be very vocally voicing your own opinion on this matter. That is great that you feel so strongly about this topic however I find that having such a biased opinion of the research I find can significantly affect how I interpret the information. I know of many good arguments, some of which I personally agree with, that are in support of the death penalty or an option very close to it. I'm not hating, I am just saying that you might be able to better interpret the information and arguments if you do not immediately classify them as something you support or don't. Also, perhaps clarify your reasoning in your notes- Why do you hate it. What about it is bad. What are the alternatives. What are the drawbacks of them? Is prison life better than death, who is to say? Perhaps just keep that in mind.
Other than that, this is excellent research!

Alex G. responce #2

Phoebeee !
This is such a cool topic. I don't know too much much about it, or death penalties, but it makes me really interested to learn about it. I loved reading your responses to the articles, and how you thought it was good to know both sides of the stories. I also loved how each of your articles were different variety.
(:

Phoebe, this is such an interesting topic! I just got back from the HMUN trip where I sat in the Social, Humanitarian and cultural committee, and the two pain topics were Polygamy and Death Penalty. I know a great deal on the Death Penalty. The death penalty is a very large topic of controversy in individual countries as well as in the United Nations as a violation of human rights. And you should take religion into consideration, in the Koran, the death penalty is permitted! So maybe you should weive religion in somewhere.