These open response writing prompts can be used as in-class reflections or as assessment activities.

a. Proponents of restorative justice argue for decarceration, or the reduction of the number of people who are held in custody.  Do you think we should decarcerate the U.S. punishment system? Why or why not?

b. The Catholic church argues that "the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." Do you agree or disagree with this statement and why?

c. If the relevant fact indicated that punishment does not deter crime, would you be in favor of deterrence? Why or why not?