History and evolution -- Arguments for and against the death penalty -- Basic constitutional challenges and limitations -- Constitutional parameters of the current era death penalty -- Defining capital crimes -- Aggravating and mitigating circumstances -- Special defenses -- Overview of arrest through execution -- Jury selection and role of jurors -- Guilt stage of trial process -- Sentencing stage of trial process -- Appeals process -- Post-conviction challenges -- Clemency and execution proceedings -- Assistance of defense counsel -- Race, gender, and other biases -- Executing the innocent -- Foreign and international law issues -- Future of the death penalty.