NCJ Number
94339
Date Published
1981
Length
175 pages
Annotation
The author argues that high rates of violent crime in the United States stem from indecision to enforce the death penalty, claiming that murder rates are much lower in Third World countries because they impose harsher penalties and that violent criminals in the United States manipulate the criminal justice system to their advantage.
Abstract
After commenting that the cruel and unusual punishment concept ignores the victim, the book discusses the prevalence of violence, lack of respect for authority, and fear that pervades American society. It criticizes the courts and the correctional system, suggesting that first offenders be imprisoned only with other first offenders and that prisons eliminate recreational and social programs. Arguments against gun control are presented, as are reforms in the jury system, such as requiring only a clear majority rather than a unanimous decision. The author supports a national law requiring that all murderers be executed within 6 months of conviction, criticizes the insanity plea, and contends that the right of appeal should be the only right allowed after conviction for a violent crime. Other areas addressed include violence in prisons and the impossibility of rehabilitating violent criminals. The author advocates the death penalty for all persons involved in a murder. He examines murderers who kill for the thrill, unsolved murders, and bail issues. Newspaper articles, cases, and quotations from the Bible illustrate the author's points. References are supplied.