Jurisprudence

Catalog description

Examines central jurisprudential questions that arise in the criminal law. The following topics will be considered: (1) the purpose and justification of punishment, especially the legitimate role, if any, for retribution and the expressive function of punishment; (2) the relationship between retribution and revenge; (3) the justification of capital punishment; (4) the relationship among the state, defendants, and victims in the criminal process, including the proper role, if any, of victim impact statements.