NCJ Number
130248
Date Published
1991
Length
36 pages
Annotation
This chapter discusses the administration of capital punishment, the reasons for it, objections to it, and public opinion toward it.
Abstract
The chapter opens with a list of countries whose laws do not provide for the death penalty for any crime, countries whose laws provide for the death penalty only for exceptional crimes, countries that have abolished the death penalty since 1976, and federated countries that permit jurisdictions to determine whether or not to have capital punishment. Other information and data address the number and race of persons executed in the United States from 1930 to 1970; executions from 1976 to May 30, 1990; and the current status of capital punishment law and death row inmates in the United States. A discussion of the administration of capital punishment considers the evolving law as interpreted in various U.S. Supreme Court decisions: "Furman," "Gregg," "Proffitt," and "Jurek." A discussion of reasons for capital punishment focuses on deterrence effectiveness, retribution, incapacitation, and cost. The presentation of objections to capital punishment addresses its cruelty, arbitrariness, discriminatory imposition, and its irrevocability. The chapter concludes with a review of the nature of public opinion toward capital punishment and Federal legislative responses to public opinion. 10 recommended readings and discussion questions