NCJ Number
50697
Journal
American Bar Association Journal Volume: 64 Dated: (AUGUST 1978) Pages: 1259-1265
Date Published
1978
Length
7 pages
Annotation
LITERATURE FROM THE 18TH, 19TH, AND 20TH CENTURIES IS REVIEWED TO TRACE THE EVOLUTION OF VIEWS ON CAPITAL PUNISHMENT. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT WRITERS FROM ALL THREE PERIODS OPPOSED IT ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS.
Abstract
DURING THE 18TH CENTURY, THE HEYDAY OF PUBLIC HANGINGS IN ENGLAND, HENRY FIELD WROTE STRONGLY AGAINST THE PRACTICE BECAUSE HE FELT IT HAD LITTLE DETERRENT VALUE. HE OFFERED SUGGESTIONS FOR REFORM TO END THE CIRCUS-LIKE ATMOSPHERE WHICH HE FELT WAS INHUMAN AND DEBASING. SAMUEL JOHNSON SEEMED TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HANGING, BUT WORKED CEASELESSLY TO TRY TO SAVE A CLERGYMAN CONVICTED TO HANG FOR FORGERY. THE AMERICAN WRITER FRANCES TROLLOPE AND THE ENGLISH WRITERS SIR SAMUEL ROMILLY, WILLIAM THACKERAY, AND CHARLES DICKENS ALL WROTE AGAINST PUBLIC EXECUTION. DICKENS CONDUCTED A CONTINUING LETTERS-TO-THE-EDITOR CAMPAIGN CITING STATISTICS SHOWING THAT COUNTRIES WITHOUT PUBLIC EXECUTIONS DID NOT HAVE HIGHER CRIME RATES. ARTHUR KOESTLER'S 'REFLECTIONS ON HANGING' AND ALBERT CAMUS'S 'REFLECTIONS ON THE GUILLOTINE' ARE THE 20TH CENTURY WORKS REVIEWED. BOTH ARE PASSIONATELY AGAINST CAPITAL PUNISHMENT FOR HUMANITARIAN REASONS. (GLR)