PEN1502 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due 20 March 2025

Description

PEN1502 Assignment 1 Semester 1 | Due 20 March 2025. All questions answered. INSTRUCTIONS: Carefully read the provided case study below, then answer the following questions that apply to the case study! The case study involves a man named John Z., currently serving time on Death Row for the vicious murders of two individuals. Mr. Z is being evaluated for his competency to be executed, which includes his ability to understand the crimes he committed, the moral implications of those crimes, the fact that he is physically confined to Death Row, the fact that his impending death is imminent, the fact that death is permanent and the reason he is being executed (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). According to records, Mr. Z is the middle child of three children and his parents divorced when he was four years old (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). His mother remarried when he was approximately six years old and he did not have any significant contact with his biological father, who passed away about fifteen years ago (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). Mr. Z’s mother stated that he was well adjusted throughout early childhood and did not display behavioral issues until around the age of twelve (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). Although there are numerous correlates to take into consideration, there was no reference as to whether or not Mr. Z was sexually, mentally, or physically abused as a child, whether he suffered from bullying as a child, and whether or not he associated with other deviants. The criminal behavior in which Mr. Z took place involved the murder of a man that he had a homosexual relationship with and the murder of another unknown individual. Based on Mr. Z’s long history of behavior issues as a child, sexual promiscuity, extensive history of family and personal mental health issues, and long-lasting and serious drug dependency, it is evident that multiple factors may have contributed to his criminal actions. His troubled upbringing, marked by instability and psychological distress, likely played a role in shaping his behavior. Additionally, his struggles with substance abuse may have impaired his judgment and heightened aggressive tendencies. The combination of these elements suggests that Mr. Z’s actions were influenced not only by personal relationships but also by deep-seated psychological and environmental factors. Understanding these complexities is crucial in assessing his culpability and potential avenues for rehabilitation. Answer the following questions pertains to the extract above: QUESTION 1 1.1 What theories of punishment (e.g., retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation) justify John Z.’s death sentence? 1.2 Does John Z.’s punishment align with the principle of proportionality in sentencing? Explain how. 1.3 Is the death penalty the most appropriate form of punishment for John z., or would life imprisonment be a more just alternative? Provide justifications, 1.4 What are the potential moral and ethical concerns surrounding John Z.’s execution? 25 Marks QUESTION 2 2.1 Does the death penalty in cases like John Z.’s serve as an effective deterrent to violent crime? Critically explain how. 2.2 Explain, how John Z.’s case contributes to the debate on whether capital punishment reduces homicide rates? 2.3 Are there alternative sentencing options that could achieve the same deterrent effect as the death penalty?, Discuss those alternatives. 2.4 Share your opinion on whether the death penalty can reduce the crime rate in South Africa if brought back. 25 Marks Total Marks: 50