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Lesson Plans – Death Penalty

The Death Penalty: A Curriculum for High School
Source: Death Penalty Information Center
A curriculum of lessons that cover the history of capital punishment, pro and con arguments, a state-by-state assessment of US states.
Grade Level: high school
Subject Area: social studies, current events


Death Penalty Curriculum
Source: Michigan State Death Penalty Information Center
This curriculum explores capital punishment, presenting arguments for and against its use, as well as issues of ethics and justice that surround it.  Many online interactive resources and lesson plans can also be requested from the organization.
Grade Level: high school
Subject Area: social studies, current events


The Death Penalty: Resource Guide
Source: Amnesty International USA
A curriculum of 6 lessons with background information and resources. Lessons include the death penalty and racism, torture, children, and mental illness.
Grade Level: high school
Subject Area: social studies, current events


Human Rights and the Death Penalty Toolkit
Source: Advocates for Human Rights
A multi-faceted education tool with background information, lesson plans, action opportunities, and resources.
Grade Level: middle school – adult
Subject Area: social studies, current events


Ironhawk on Death Row
Source: Univ. of Minnesota Human Rights Center, Human Rights Education Topic Book 7
A play that illustrates the racism and inhumanity of the death penalty through the struggles of an Indigenous man. Includes educational resources that use Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to engage participants.
Grade Level: high school – adult
Subject Area: social studies, current events


A Matter of Life and Death
Source: Amnesty International Ireland
A full curriculum that uses case studies, interactive techniques and action ideas to explore issues related to the death penalty.
Grade Level: high school
Subject Area: social studies, current events


Should the US Stop Using the Death Penalty?
Source: Teaching and Learning with the New York Times
A lesson plans that uses New York Times news stories to debate the effectiveness of the death penalty.
Grade Level: high school
Subject Area: social studies, current events

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