Overview

An extensive survey of the pros and cons, evolution, and current issues surrounding one of the hottest topics in today's social debates. Death Penalty on Trial: A Handbook with Cases, Laws, and Documents sifts through the rhetoric, politics, and emotion that characterize one of the most highly discussed, yet least understood issues facing the United States today. Placing the death penalty in a historical perspective with an emphasis on the last 50 years, this case-driven volume explains the legal theory that has perpetuated it and the judicial reasoning, both pro and con, behind such landmark Supreme Court cases as Furman v. Georgia and The United States of America v. Alan Quinones. From the first Massachusetts Bay Colony execution and the inventions of the electric chair and gas chamber to DNA testing of inmates, readers will learn how and why capital punishment continues to be so controversial.

Full Product Details

9781851096060

Table of Contents

Reviews

A useful source for public and academic libraries. - American Reference Books Annual

Sharp, informative, well organized, and well documented, this would be an asset to any collection. - Library Journal A useful source for public and academic libraries. - American Reference Books Annual

Author Information

Gary P. Gershman, PhD, is assistant professor of history and legal studies in the Division of Humanities at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL.

Tab Content 6

Customer Reviews

Recent Reviews

Countries Available