,PEN1502 Assignment 1 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester
1 2025 - DUE 19 March 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
INSTRUCTIONS: 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. Answer
the following questions pertains to the extract above:
QUESTION 1 1.1 What theories of punishment (e.g.,
retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation) justify
John Z.’s death sentence? 1.2 Does John Z.’s punishment align
with the principle of proportionality in sentencing? Explain how.
1.3 Is the death penalty the most appropriate form of punishment
for John z., or would life imprisonment be a more just
alternative? Provide justifications, 1.4 What are the potential
moral and ethical concerns surrounding John Z.’s execution? 25
Marks
1 2025 - DUE 19 March 2025; 100% correct solutions and
explanations.
INSTRUCTIONS: 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. Answer
the following questions pertains to the extract above:
QUESTION 1 1.1 What theories of punishment (e.g.,
retribution, deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation) justify
John Z.’s death sentence? 1.2 Does John Z.’s punishment align
with the principle of proportionality in sentencing? Explain how.
1.3 Is the death penalty the most appropriate form of punishment
for John z., or would life imprisonment be a more just
alternative? Provide justifications, 1.4 What are the potential
moral and ethical concerns surrounding John Z.’s execution? 25
Marks
