1) Fleming (2005) writes that the decline in support for capital punishment on the part of Catholics is "a salutary reminder that good arguments can change minds." (Fleming, 2008, p.1) Summary and Conclusion

This brief review has demonstrated that the earlier views of the Catholic Church on the death penalty has experienced a shift over time and that the majority of today's Catholics strongly oppose the death penalty. In fact, it is younger Catholic individuals and individuals who are attendees weekly at Masses who are most strongly opposed to the death penalty.

Other findings in this brief review include that there are generational differences in support or opposition for the death penalty and as noted by Davidson (2005) only 41% of today's younger Millennial generation approves of the death penalty. In addition, findings show that Catholics who are college-educated and who are Democrats or Independents are those most likely to be opposed to the death penalty. (Davidson, 2005, paraphrased)

Bibliography

Davidson, James D. (2005)...

National Catholic reporter. 30 Sept 2005. Online available at: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1141/is_42_41/ai_n15686187/
Fleming, Julia (2008) The Death Penalty -- Another Threat to a Culture of Life. Journal of Religion and Society. The Kripke Center 4, 2008. Online available at: http://moses.creighton.edu/JRS/2008/2008-34.html

Gonzales, Anthony (nd) Pro-life and Pro-Capital Punishment Contradiction in Terms? Roman Catholic online available at: http://www.roman-catholic.com/Roman/Articles/CapitalPunishment.htm

Norko, Michael A. (2008) The Death Penalty in Catholic Teaching and Medicine: Intersections and Places for Dialogue. J Am Acad Psychiatry Law 36:4:470-481 (2008). Online available…