NCJ Number
182078
Date Published
2000
Length
100 pages
Annotation
This volume presents background information on capital punishment and examines legal issues, management practices, and special issues and concerns experienced by correctional administrators responsible for death row inmates.
Abstract
The discussion rests on research in departments of corrections, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Department of Justice, the military, several cities and counties that have their own death penalty, and interest groups concerned with the use or abolishment of capital punishment. The text discusses the history of capital punishment, changes in the length of time on death row, the demographic characteristics of death row inmates, and racial concerns. The chapter on legal issues focuses on legal protections for death row inmates, DNA testing, mental retardation and mental competence, inmate orientation, classification, personal hygiene and property, records, food service, medical service, legal services and access to the law library, recreation, visits, counseling services, and religious services and activities. Special issues discussed include health issues, inmates’ families, housing and cells, procedures, custody and security, specialized programs, work programs, removal from death-sentenced status, and the use of closed supermax correctional facilities. Further issues covered include execution policies and procedures; juvenile death row inmates; female death row inmates; pressures from media, government, and special interest groups; public attitudes toward capital punishment; and international concerns. The final chapter discusses management practices and options relating to personnel administration, staffing, staff training, execution timing, costs, and related issues. Case examples, tables, list of cases, and 36 references