The Death Penalty

Introduction to one of the most controversial criminal justice issues of our timethe death penalty. Historical examination of the forces that led to abolition of the death penalty in 1972 and reinstatement in 1976, ushering in the modern death penalty era. Survey of the most prominent issues associated with the death penalty, including its justifications, cost, constitutional regulation, execution methods, housing on death row, and claims of arbitrariness, disproportionate imposition on race and class grounds, inadequate capital defense, and potential for convicting the innocent. Considers the American death penalty from a global perspective to understand the movement toward worldwide abolition and why the United States is or is not a part of it.