, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE TO ANSWER YOUR ASSIGNMENT
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Carefully read the provided case study below, then answer the following questions that apply to
the case study!
The case study involves a man named John Z., currently serving time on Death Row for the vicious
murders of two individuals. Mr. Z is being evaluated for his competency to be executed, which
includes his ability to understand the crimes he committed, the moral implications of those crimes, the
fact that he is physically confined to Death Row, the fact that his impending death is imminent, the
fact that death is permanent and the reason he is being executed (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo,
2002). According to records, Mr. Z is the middle child of three children and his parents divorced when
he was four years old (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). His mother remarried when he was
approximately six years old and he did not have any significant contact with his biological father, who
passed away about fifteen years ago (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). Mr. Z’s mother stated
that he was well adjusted throughout early childhood and did not display behavioral issues until around
the age of twelve (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002).
Although there are numerous correlates to take into consideration, there was no reference as to
whether or not Mr. Z was sexually, mentally, or physically abused as a child, whether he suffered from
bullying as a child, and whether or not he associated with other deviants.
The criminal behavior in which Mr. Z took place involved the murder of a man that he had a
homosexual relationship with and the murder of another unknown individual. Based on Mr. Z’s long
history of behavior issues as a child, sexual promiscuity, extensive history of family and personal
mental health issues, and long-lasting and serious drug dependency, it is evident that multiple factors
may have contributed to his criminal actions. His troubled upbringing, marked by instability and
psychological distress, likely played a role in shaping his behavior. Additionally, his struggles with
substance abuse may have impaired his judgment and heightened aggressive tendencies. The
combination of these elements suggests that Mr. Z’s actions were influenced not only by personal
relationships but also by deep-seated psychological and environmental factors. Understanding these
complexities is crucial in assessing his culpability and potential avenues for rehabilitation.
Question 1
1.1. What theories of punishment (e.g., retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation)
justify John Z.’s death sentence?
John Z.’s death sentence can be justified through the theories of retribution, deterrence, and
incapacitation. Each of these theories provides a different rationale for why the death penalty may be
considered an appropriate response to his crimes.
Retribution argues that punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. Given that John
Z. committed the "vicious murders of two individuals," the death penalty may be seen as a morally
justified response. Society may view execution as a way to ensure justice by imposing a punishment
equal to the severity of the crime. Similarly, deterrence suggests that capital punishment serves as a
warning to potential criminals, discouraging others from committing similar offenses.
Please also note that the author of this document will not be responsible for any plagiarism you
commit.
Carefully read the provided case study below, then answer the following questions that apply to
the case study!
The case study involves a man named John Z., currently serving time on Death Row for the vicious
murders of two individuals. Mr. Z is being evaluated for his competency to be executed, which
includes his ability to understand the crimes he committed, the moral implications of those crimes, the
fact that he is physically confined to Death Row, the fact that his impending death is imminent, the
fact that death is permanent and the reason he is being executed (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo,
2002). According to records, Mr. Z is the middle child of three children and his parents divorced when
he was four years old (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). His mother remarried when he was
approximately six years old and he did not have any significant contact with his biological father, who
passed away about fifteen years ago (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002). Mr. Z’s mother stated
that he was well adjusted throughout early childhood and did not display behavioral issues until around
the age of twelve (Heilbrun, Marczyk, & DeMatteo, 2002).
Although there are numerous correlates to take into consideration, there was no reference as to
whether or not Mr. Z was sexually, mentally, or physically abused as a child, whether he suffered from
bullying as a child, and whether or not he associated with other deviants.
The criminal behavior in which Mr. Z took place involved the murder of a man that he had a
homosexual relationship with and the murder of another unknown individual. Based on Mr. Z’s long
history of behavior issues as a child, sexual promiscuity, extensive history of family and personal
mental health issues, and long-lasting and serious drug dependency, it is evident that multiple factors
may have contributed to his criminal actions. His troubled upbringing, marked by instability and
psychological distress, likely played a role in shaping his behavior. Additionally, his struggles with
substance abuse may have impaired his judgment and heightened aggressive tendencies. The
combination of these elements suggests that Mr. Z’s actions were influenced not only by personal
relationships but also by deep-seated psychological and environmental factors. Understanding these
complexities is crucial in assessing his culpability and potential avenues for rehabilitation.
Question 1
1.1. What theories of punishment (e.g., retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation)
justify John Z.’s death sentence?
John Z.’s death sentence can be justified through the theories of retribution, deterrence, and
incapacitation. Each of these theories provides a different rationale for why the death penalty may be
considered an appropriate response to his crimes.
Retribution argues that punishment should be proportionate to the crime committed. Given that John
Z. committed the "vicious murders of two individuals," the death penalty may be seen as a morally
justified response. Society may view execution as a way to ensure justice by imposing a punishment
equal to the severity of the crime. Similarly, deterrence suggests that capital punishment serves as a
warning to potential criminals, discouraging others from committing similar offenses.
