NCJ Number
101130
Editor(s)
B Szumski,
L Hall,
S Bursell
Date Published
1986
Length
172 pages
Annotation
In addition to providing a historical perspective on attitudes toward the death penalty, this text provides arguments for and against the use of capital punishment, with a focus on its morality and its deterrence effectiveness.
Abstract
Chapter 1 provides essays written between 1700 and 1928 espousing the morality/immorality and effectiveness/ ineffectiveness of the death penalty. Chapter 2 includes arguments on the morality versus immorality of the death penalty, its effects on society, and religious arguments for and against its use. Chapter 3 considers whether the death penalty deters or incites murder, the validity of deterrence as a justification for the death penalty, and the implications of inconclusive evidence for the validity of deterrence theory. The final chapter brings together opposing views on the use of the death penalty in treason cases through analysis of three sensationalized cases: Sacco and Vanzetti in the 1920's, Julius and Ethel Rosenberg in the 1950's, and John Walker in the 1980's. Each chapter includes exercises designed to increase critical thinking skills and a periodical bibliography. Index and 28-item bibliography.