Education resources on the death penalty
© Brendan Snialowski,AFP via Getty Images
Explore issues surrounding the death penalty with students.
This powerful resource supports open, balanced discussion about the death penalty with students aged 14+.
Through facts, activities and debate, students explore arguments for and against capital punishment, understand why it is a human rights issue, and examine its real‑world impact, including life on death row and the sentencing of children.
The pack includes lesson activities, an assembly script, films, case studies and data to support critical thinking, discussion and writing.
Online Learning
This online course explores the death penalty as a human rights issue.
Learners examine why capital punishment violates human rights, challenge common misconceptions, and consider how it is used in practice.
The course also encourages meaningful action, supporting learners to speak out and campaign against the death penalty.
Other resources
Troy Davis - Where is the justice for me?
Published by Amnesty International on Vimeo
Mirza Tahir Hussain
Published by Amnesty International on Vimeo
Jeremy Irons on the Death Penalty
Published by Amnesty International on Vimeo
Sister Helen Prejean
Published by Amnesty International on Vimeo
I owe my life to Amnesty International
Published by Amnesty international on YouTube
This content is hosted by a third party. By showing the external content you accept the terms and conditions of YouTube.
Looking for more?
The resources above are part of a wider collection created by our Human Rights Education team. Explore our Knowledge Hub for more education resources on the death penalty.
Alternatively, head back to our Education Themes page for even more curated teaching resources on a range of topics.
Join our TeachRights mailing list
Would you like to receive the latest news about our Human Rights Education work, along with free resources, information on training opportunities, and more straight to your inbox?
Related content
Interested in our work in education, or looking to inspire your students to explore human rights with creative resources, activities, and real-world stories. For over 25 years, we’ve helped educators turn classrooms into spaces for action and change. Join us and make human rights part of every lesson.
Find education and training resources all in one place...
We stand against anyone - including any government - having the right to take away someone else’s life. We won’t stop until every country has abolished it. Explore our work to end the use of the death penalty around the world.