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Overview
Each volume of the Facts On File Library in a Book series is carefully designed to be the best one-volume source for research on important current problems. Written clearly and carefully so that even the most complex aspects of the issue are easily understandable, the books give the reader the essential information to begin work, plus the research tools needed to delve more deeply into the topic. Each book includes a history of the subject, biographical information on important figures in the field, a complete annotated bibliography, and a carefully designed index-everything the researcher needs to get down to work.With recent advances in DNA testing of stored forensic evidence and ongoing efforts by volunteer advocates, more and more inmates have been found innocent, and opponents of the death penalty argue that many more may be executed for crimes they did not commit if the laws are not changed. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 35 people on death row have been exonerated since the year 2000. The legal definition of who is eligible for the death penalty is also changing. For instance, in 2002, the Supreme Court ruled in Atkins v. Virginia that it is unconstitutional to execute people with mental retardation.
Coverage of these and other important events and policy changes make the thoroughly updated third edition of Capital Punishment an invaluable reference and research guide. Providing readers with clear and essential information needed to define, understand, and research this controversial issue, this book is perfect for anyone interested in issues related to capital punishment.
Synopsis
For grades nine and up, Henderson provides a guide to capital punishment, including its history, pros and cons, legal issues, politics, explanations of the law and specific death penalty cases, a chronology, biographical sketches of key figures, and tips on research. One third of the book consists of an annotated bibliography, organized by topic, to aid in further research. Appendices feature excerpts from court rulings and a list of organizations and agencies. The third edition reflects changes in recent law and the influence of DNA testing. Henderson is a writer and editor. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR
Amy Luedtke - VOYA
This no-nonsense book is unlikely to catch anyone's eye, but it is packed with information useful for students researching capital punishment. The book begins with an overview of capital punishment, including its history and an exploration of the arguments for and against its use. Henderson treats this divisive issue with an evenhanded tone that is respectful to multiple points of view while exploring how political, social, and historical factors affect public opinion about capital punishment. He examines the law of capital punishment and includes a summary of capital punishment law by state and a review of important U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students will greatly appreciate the statistical information in an appendix that has charts and graphs on topics such as annual total executions and trends in support for capital punishment. Those wishing to do in-depth research will find a valuable starting place in the list of organizations and agencies that work on death-penalty issues and an extensive annotated bibliography. Although extremely informative and easy-to-use, this book is very dry and only dedicated (or desperate) teens are likely to have the patience to use it. The book has no illustrations (besides the charts in Appendix A), and the layout is very bland. It is admirable that Henderson remains objective and sticks to the facts in his coverage of this emotional topic, but some personal accounts (from the condemned or from victim's relatives) could give the subject a human face and enhance readers' understanding of its complexity. 2006, Facts on File, 316p.; Glossary. Index. Charts. Graphs. Biblio. Chronology. Appendix., PLB $45.. Ages 12 to Adult.
Editorials
VOYA
This no-nonsense book is unlikely to catch anyone's eye, but it is packed with information useful for students researching capital punishment. The book begins with an overview of capital punishment, including its history and an exploration of the arguments for and against its use. Henderson treats this divisive issue with an evenhanded tone that is respectful to multiple points of view while exploring how political, social, and historical factors affect public opinion about capital punishment. He examines the law of capital punishment and includes a summary of capital punishment law by state and a review of important U.S. Supreme Court decisions. Students will greatly appreciate the statistical information in an appendix that has charts and graphs on topics such as annual total executions and trends in support for capital punishment. Those wishing to do in-depth research will find a valuable starting place in the list of organizations and agencies that work on death-penalty issues and an extensive annotated bibliography. Although extremely informative and easy-to-use, this book is very dry and only dedicated (or desperate) teens are likely to have the patience to use it. The book has no illustrations (besides the charts in Appendix A), and the layout is very bland. It is admirable that Henderson remains objective and sticks to the facts in his coverage of this emotional topic, but some personal accounts (from the condemned or from victim's relatives) could give the subject a human face and enhance readers' understanding of its complexity. 2006, Facts on File, 316p.; Glossary. Index. Charts. Graphs. Biblio. Chronology. Appendix., PLB $45.. Ages 12 to Adult.—Amy Luedtke