Society's Final Solution: A History and Discussion of the Death Penalty

By Laura Randa King

This book offers an in-depth examination of the historical perspective on the death penalty, discusses the process involved in the sentencing and administration of justice, and clarifies facets of an issue which is riddled with inequities and ambiguities that reflect gender bias, and racial and economic disparity. For example, of the 3028 people on 'death row' as of August 1995, only 15% were women. Of those who are on 'death row' today, virtually all are poor, a significant number are mentally retarded or otherwise mentally disabled, more than 40% are African-American, and a disproportionate number are Native American, Latino and Asian. These facts need to be carefully weighed against the grief, pain, and anguish caused by the untimely death of a murder victim with regard to the family members, as well as the related legal costs to society.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761807136
• ISBN13: 9780761807131
• Release Date: August 1997
• Publisher: University Press of America
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.7" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Outstanding and balanced treatise on the death penalty

This is an outstanding and balanced work on the death penalty. All sides are represented and the first chapter is one of the best histories of the death penalty ever written. Those supporting the death penalty and those opposing the death penalty will find much in this work to devour. More than anything, this work shows that there are no easy answers and in fact, no easy questions. The authors are well known and include lawyers, teachers, Congressional people, lobbyists, etc. This is a work one should include in any discussion of the death penalty.

The most comprehensive study of the death penalty - a must!

This overview looks at all sides of this very important issue. Beginning with a background history, this collection of articles covers a perspective ranging from those of prosecutors, to death row inmates, to pardons boards, to family members of victims. This work has no particular axe to grind which I find extremely refreshing. This work is an excellent educational tool for exploring all facets of the death penalty. I highly recommed it in a classroom, resource center, or library.