In the following term paper the author is going to compare the German and American attitude toward the death penalty. At first she wants to clarify the definition. This paper will give a brief overview of the recent history of capital punishment in both states. The emphasis is on the comparison between these different attitudes. Providing to the findings of the German attitude the author indents to carry out a survey. Finally, she would like to express her own opinion on the topic.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Definition of the death penalty
- Historical aspects of the death penalty
- History of the death penalty in Germany
- GDR
- FRG
- History of the death penalty in the USA
- Attitudes towards the death penalty
- Attitudes of the German citizens towards the death penalty
- The attitude of Americans towards the death penalty
- Comparison of the American and German viewpoint
- Own opinion
- Survey
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This term paper aims to compare German and American attitudes towards capital punishment. It begins by defining the death penalty and then provides a brief historical overview of its application in both countries. The primary focus is on comparing these differing attitudes, with the author intending to conduct a survey to support findings on German attitudes. Finally, the author will offer their personal opinion on the topic.
- Definition and historical context of the death penalty.
- The historical application of the death penalty in Germany and the USA.
- A comparison of contemporary attitudes towards capital punishment in Germany and the USA.
- The author's personal perspective on the death penalty.
- Survey results regarding German attitudes towards capital punishment (implied).
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by mentioning the "International Day Against the Death Penalty" and the author's personal reflection on the death penalty after watching the movie "Green Line." The author outlines the paper's objective: a comparative analysis of German and American attitudes toward capital punishment, including a historical overview and a survey to gather data on German opinions, culminating in the author's personal stance on the subject.
Definition of the death penalty: This chapter defines the death penalty, tracing its origins from ancient vendettas to its modern controversial status. It highlights the death penalty's legal definition as statutory homicide for capital crimes, outlining various crimes punishable by death in different countries, including murder, trafficking, robbery, and drug offenses. The chapter also touches upon the global landscape of capital punishment, noting the number of countries that have abolished it and those that still enforce it, as well as common execution methods.
Historical aspects of the death penalty: This chapter explores the extensive history of capital punishment. Starting with pre-state societies and the concept of revenge, it delves into the historical application of the death penalty in Germany, highlighting inconsistencies during the Empire, a drop in executions during the Weimar Republic, and the significant increase under Nazi rule. The chapter then separately examines the GDR and FRG, noting the Soviet occupation's role in executions during the early years of the GDR, the later abolition of the death penalty in 1987, and the use of death sentences in the FRG following the Nuremberg trials. It emphasizes the varied and often inconsistent application of the death penalty throughout German history.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Death penalty, capital punishment, Germany, USA, attitudes, history, comparative analysis, survey, opinion, legal definition, execution methods.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comparative Analysis of German and American Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This term paper analyzes and compares German and American attitudes towards capital punishment (the death penalty). It examines the historical context of capital punishment in both countries and explores contemporary opinions through a survey (specifically focusing on German attitudes) and ultimately presents the author's personal perspective.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the definition and historical context of the death penalty; the historical application of the death penalty in Germany and the USA; a comparison of contemporary attitudes towards capital punishment in Germany and the USA; the author's personal perspective on the death penalty; and results from a survey regarding German attitudes towards capital punishment.
What is the scope of the historical overview provided in the paper?
The historical overview covers the death penalty's evolution from ancient vendettas to its modern controversial status. It specifically delves into the history of capital punishment in Germany, highlighting periods of inconsistent application (including the Empire, Weimar Republic, Nazi era, GDR, and FRG), and also examines its history in the USA. The paper notes the significant differences and inconsistencies in the application of the death penalty throughout both nations’ histories.
What methodology does the author employ to analyze contemporary attitudes?
The author employs a comparative approach, analyzing and contrasting German and American attitudes towards capital punishment. A crucial part of this methodology involves a survey conducted to gather data on German opinions on the death penalty. This survey data, while not explicitly shown in the preview, is implied to support the author's findings.
What is included in the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of the key content of each chapter. They include the introduction (setting the stage and outlining the paper's objective), a definition of the death penalty (legal aspects and global context), historical aspects (detailed accounts for Germany and the USA), and the author's conclusion which includes their own opinion.
What is the author's stated objective?
The author's main objective is to compare and contrast German and American attitudes towards capital punishment. This involves a historical overview of the death penalty in both countries, an analysis of current opinions (supported by a survey of German attitudes), and finally, the author's own personal opinion on the matter.
What are the keywords associated with this paper?
The keywords include: Death penalty, capital punishment, Germany, USA, attitudes, history, comparative analysis, survey, opinion, legal definition, and execution methods.
What kind of information is included in the table of contents?
The table of contents provides a structured overview of the paper's chapters, including: an introduction, a definition of the death penalty, historical aspects (with sub-sections for Germany and the USA), attitudes towards the death penalty (with sub-sections for Germany, the USA, and a comparison), the author's own opinion, and a survey.
- Quote paper
- Aleks Ancenko (Author), 2012, Death Penalty. A Comparison Between Germany and American Attitudes Towards Capital Punishment, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/298393