"The Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution's Bill of Rights prohibits the use of "cruel and unusual punishment." That phrase was written at a time when burning and beheading were still acceptable legal punishments in some places. Much has changed in America in two centuries. This easily accessible guide examines the context that inspired the Founding Fathers to include this phrase, as well as the concept of "evolving standards of decency." Interesting,...

Explores the issue of the death penalty by placing opinions from a wide range of sources in a pro/con format. Features articles that express various perspectives on this topic.

"A powerful, revealing story of hope, love, justice, and the power of reading by a man who spent thirty years on death row for a crime he didn't commit"--!cFrom the publisher.

Reviews the history and current status of the death penalty in the U.S., focusing on the legal and ethical issues of its use by the criminal justice system.

Discusses the issues surrounding capital punishment, including the questions of whether it works as a deterrent and whether it should be allowed at all.

Is capital punishment morally justified? Although the issue generates strong opinions, there are no easy answers when it comes to taking the life of a human being. Supporters of the death penalty believe it deters law-breaking and is the only punishment strong enough for horrific crimes such as child murder and genocide. Opponents argue that it violates human rights and point to its finality in the face of judicial system error and unfairness. This...

Examines the fairness, morality, and efficacy of capital punishment in America and around the world.

Through objective discussion, numerous direct quotes, and illustrations this title examines the various controversies surrounding the death penalty.