Capital Punishment

From the Publisher

"This book strikes a careful balance between both sides of a complex and emotional issue."

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School Library Journal

"Highly Recommended."

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The Book Report

Library Journal

In keeping with the publisher's ``Contemporary World Issues'' format, this handbook opens with an overview--practical, moral, and political--of capital punishment in the 1990s. This is followed by a chronology of important events, biographical sketches, lists of source material, a directory of organizations, statistics, and a bibliography. Overall, the quality of the book is uneven. The arguments for and against capital punishment are well constructed; the statistics, however, are skimpy and do not give more information than can be found in any almanac. Fifteen pages are devoted to a speech by Clarence Darrow, while the major death penalty decisions of the United States Supreme Court are merely listed on one page without any explanation of their provisions. The concentration throughout is on the U.S. justice system, yet there is no information on how death penalty legislation is enacted in the various states or how it can be repealed. Similar in scope to Stephen Flanders's Capital Punishment (Facts on File, 1991), this volume is an optional purchase.-- Frances Sandiford, Green Haven Correctional Facility Lib., Stormville, N.Y.

Booknews

An introduction to the debate and issues surrounding the death penalty, presenting its history, significant court rulings, and opinions and arguments from both supporters and detractors. Includes an annotated list of resources and organizations to assist in further studies. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)