This week the Guardian Teacher Network has resources to help pupils discuss the use of the death penalty around the world
At least 676 executions were carried out in 20 countries in 2011, and 1,923 people in 63 countries were sentenced to death, according to a recent survey by Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org.uk). While the figures make grim reading, they provide a relevant context in which to explore issues surrounding the use of the death penalty around the world.
Arab Spring Leads to Wave of Middle East State Executions is a Guardian article that covers the main findings of Amnesty's annual capital punishment survey. Pupils can find out which countries used the death penalty in 2011. They can also investigate a range of questions about human rights: Why have Middle Eastern countries stepped up their use of capital punishment? What is the situation in China? How have juveniles been affected? This information can be used in a range of curricular activities, from data handling to class debates.
Capital punishment 2011 is an interactive map that clearly illustrates the findings of Amnesty's survey. Pupils can compare the number of death sentences handed down in 2011 and the number of executions that took place. They can also see how the number of countries carrying out executions has changed since 1991. The presentation is supported by a datablog that explains the statistics further.
As part of Amnesty International's 2012 death penalty campaign, the Guardian has created an animated video about Mohammad Mostafaei, a lawyer who has saved around 20 juveniles from execution in Iran. Suitable for use with older pupils, the animation focuses on the story of Behnoud Shojaee, a 17-year-old whose death sentence was postponed six times before a final decision was made in October 2009. After watching the video, pupils can use role play to explore their views on capital punishment.
Teenager Ali Mahin Torabi gives a moving account of his conviction for murder in the Guardian article Iranian who spent seven years on death row. The article can be used as a stimulus for a variety of critical thinking and literacy activities: What would the letters that Ali's sisters wrote to him have been like? How would he have felt when he was being smuggled out of Iran? In what ways were Ali's human rights abused?
Pupils can explore their views on capital punishment further by examining the case of the case of Troy Davis , an American who was executed in September 2011 in one of the most hotly contested death row cases in recent years. Based on their research, can pupils evaluate the arguments for and against the death penalty? Can they express and justify their personal points of view?
A Matter of Life and Death is a teaching pack from Amnesty including these assembly notes that explores issues surrounding the use of the death penalty. For advice on tackling sensitive subjects with young people, consult the resource Teaching Controversial Issues.