Death Penalty debate: Need help

I'm doing a debate in school and I was picked for against having a death penalty and I don't know how to debate, or research that topic. Any tips?

Simple steps for debating against the subject.

- Present intro and evidence to why you're against it and or why it's not the best choice.
- Speak clear and serious. Raise your voice at moments of awkward tension.
- Never shift your eyes or show signs of weakness.

As for researching, do the google search on the dealth penalty or you may use your common sense.

Do you mean like formal debate, where who have to have the 1AC with the 1NC with the time limits and the structred speech, or is this debate just a informal type thing?

If its the first option, and would get a book or visit a website that guides you through formal debate. If its the latter option, just read the post above.

Um, it's a class thing, five minutes for opening speech, then two mintues each for rebuttals, then two minutes each for questions. Thank you.

Well, this actually has been disgussed at length in Serious Discusion. Here's a link:

Capital Punishment in the U.S.

Whoa, thanks HA, I owe you one!

Edit: This thread may be locked now.