NCJ Number
46860
Date Published
1978
Length
87 pages
Annotation
FOLLOWING A HISTORICAL OVERVIEW OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT, THE LEGAL AND MORAL ISSUES INVOLVED AND THE CURRENT STATUS OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT LEGISLATION IN THE U.S. ARE PRESENTED. THE BOOK IS WRITTEN FOR LAY PERSONS.
Abstract
THIS NONTECHNICAL PRESENTATION OF THE PROS AND CONS OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IS AIMED AT HELPING PERSONS WITH LITTLE LEGAL BACKGROUND TO MAKE UP THEIR MIND ON THE ISSUE. BEGINNING WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE GARY MARK GILMORE CASE, A SELF-CONFESSED MURDERER, WHO FOUGHT FOR THE RIGHT TO BE EXECUTED RATHER THAN SPEND THE REST OF HIS LIFE IN JAIL, VARYING ATTITUDES TOWARDS CAPITAL PUNISHMENT THROUGH THE AGES ARE PRESENTED. THE HISTORY OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN THE U.S. IS TRACED FROM COLONIAL TIMES TO 1965 AND THE MOVEMENT TO ABOLISH CAPITAL PUNISHMENT WHICH SWEPT THE COUNTRY FROM 19551967 IS DETAILED. A TABLE LISTS THE ABOLITION OF THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE U.S. BY STATES, INCLUDING DATES OF RESTORATION WHERE APPLICABLE. THE POSSIBLE CAUSES OF CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR AND THE HISTORY OF THE UNEVEN APPLICATION OF THE DEATH PENALTY ARE EXAMINED AND DISCUSSED. THE MECHANISMS WHICH ALLOW WEALTHY PERSONS TO ESCAPE WHILE POOR, MINORITY PRISONERS ARE EXECUTED ARE PRESENTED. CONTEMPORARY ATTITUDES TOWARDS THE DEATH PENALTY AS A DETERRENT ARE SUMMARIZED AND SUPREME COURT DECISIONS ARE EXPLAINED. THE BOOK IS WELL ILLUSTRATED WITH PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, AND STATISTICAL TABLES. A BIBLIOGRAPHY AND AN INDEX ARE INCLUDED. (GLR)