Forensic Psychology Exam 3 Graded A+

In what cases is the death penalty sought? - ANSWER-When a homicide is committed under special circumstances, certain federal crimes, and certain military crimes What are the options for a defendant who commits homicide under special circumstances? - ANSWER-Sway the prosecutor into not seeking the death penalty, reaching a plea bargain, or filing for insanity Why was the death penalty outlawed? - ANSWER-It's arbitrary and discriminatory application qualified it as cruel and unusual punishment Main role of psychologists in death penalty cases - ANSWER-Have to choose to either be a consultant or expert witness Possible roles in death penalty cases - ANSWER-Assess defendant's competency to stand trial, complete survey's of knowledge and bias for highly publicized cases, and seating a death qualified jury Death qualification procedure - ANSWER-Prior to trial prospective jurors are asked if they're so opposed to capitol punishment that they couldn't vote for death penalty Bifurcated trial - ANSWER-A trial with two phases. If one is found guilty in the guilt-determination phase then the trial moves to the sentencing phase What evidence can be introduced in a bifurcated trial and when can it be introduced? - ANSWER-Evidence that was not allowed during the guilt determination phase because it was deemed prejudicial may be allowed during the sentencing phase Aggravating factor - ANSWER-A circumstance that makes the crime more heinous than usual that's introduced by the prosecutor Mitigating factor - ANSWER-Something that tempers or moderates the punishment that's introduced by the defense Reasons for appeal - ANSWER-If a defendant feels he or she was inadequately represented at trial or at the sentencing hearing or exculpatory evidence was uncovered after the trial Execution of mentally retarded individuals law - ANSWER-Competency to be executed: must know what death means and must understand the connection between one's crime and the death penalty Does having a death penalty deter crime? - ANSWER-No, the opposite is true. States with the death penalty have the highest homicide rates