This summer, I completed a research project based on whether the use of the death penalty in the United States as a form of punishment is constitutional, with an emphasis on the State of California. Initially, I have worked in human rights and have a particular interest in this area, so it seemed like an appropriate topic to tackle, especially from an English point of view since the death penalty in the United Kingdom was abolished in 1965. Thus, for my research project, I aimed to look at primary and secondary sources and carry out data collection to see if there were any noticeable patterns in regards to specific areas of the death penalty. This would include researching the types and uses of mitigation by the variety of defense attorneys in each state and whether this means of presenting the mitigating evidence could be viewed as constitutional in light of the requirements listed in the Fourth, Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments in the US Constitution.

In addition, my initial reflections on my project were that I would go to California with the hope of interviewing and speaking to professionals and other academics in the field, but the experience proved to be so much more. From day one, I was conducting legal research using American legal jargon and terms aiding me not only in my own personal development and personal interest in the American Criminal Justice system but also with this research project. I was able to find the necessary case law and judicial opinion to draft out a plan on the variety of sections needed in my abstract/research paper to try and make my project a success. I was able to talk with academics and professionals in relation to my data collection, in finding out what the prevailing norms are in a variety of states, with an emphasis on the State of California. By attending a federal conference, I had the opportunity to finalise my research project and talk to those on the frontline of the abolition of the death penalty in the State of California which could take place given that there is a referendum in November 2016. This is one of the main reasons for which I have decided to discuss and research such a relevant issue with the hopes of providing some unique insight into the most grave form of punishment on the planet. I hope that my project will successfully portray the trends and norms that I have discovered over the summer in a coherent and clear manner to any reader who is interested in learning more about Criminal Justice and Criminal law in general.

Upon reflection, I am very content with the way in which I conducted my research project. From the start, I had clear goals and objectives that I wanted to achieve by the end of the summer, and feeling as though I have surpassed any expectations, I hope that my poster and abstract will demonstrate a variety of different sub areas that I have discovered and further researched so that people from everywhere can have a better understanding of this particular area of Criminal Justice. I have been able to show the importance of the United States Constitution as serving as a foundation for the laws of the land and the historical, social and political significance of this form of punishment in the United States today.