1. How do learning and socialization affect the worldview (the lens) through which a person sees and approaches the world? How does a person’s socialization affect their behavior?
2. What is rational choice and how does a desired outcome and learned behavior/socialization work together to affect a person’s choice in any situation?
3. Where do the elements of “intent” and “mental capacity” come from? Why do we default in favor of the idea that all humans over a certain age have the mental capacity to form intent?
4. From a legal perspective what is the difference in “mentally ill” “mentally challenged” and “competent or incompetent to stand trial”? How does mental status affect processing and punishment?
5. Historically, what were the different reasons (theories) for imposing punishment on an offender? Why do we punish in the United States and when are we permitted to punish? Upon what theory do we rely in the United States and why? Does our justification work to deter crime?
6. The 8th Amendment is one of the Enlightenment influences on processing and punishment in the United States. What protections does the 8th amendment offer with respect to sentencing? How do the 5th and 8th amendments work together to prohibit multiple punishments for the same crime?
