The Death Penalty in America

Many years ago I was assigned this book to read in college. The first part was dry (had a lot of statistical analysis). After I waded through that section though, I couldn't put it down. I probably finished it in less than three days. This book caused me to change my opinions on the death penalty completely. It is very balanced and fair. What Bedau did was ask the death penalty experts on both sides of the argument to write articles and he put their writings in his book. The results are amazing! Don't listen to the two crackpots that gave this book 1 star. I don't think they have read this book or they would have written the things they did. This book is really about learning all of the points of view on the death penalty. Why would anyone oppose becoming informed? It profoundly changed my life. How many books can you say this about? Read it and see for yourself! Thank you Hugo Adam Bedau!

It is true that overall Bedau presents an argument in opposition to capital punishment. However, this argument is very well researched and documented. One may disagree with the conclusion, but it would be difficult to refute the evidence presented in the book. Furthermore, the very fact that the book is a collection of research may be the reason it appears one-sided. Having attempted objective research on the issue of capital punishment myself, it is often difficult to find solid research in support of capital punishment. More often support comes in the form of statements of belief or opinion. If you are looking for an equal collection of arguments for and against the death penalty in America, then this book is not for you. However, if you are looking for very solid research on the topic, presented in a logical, easy to understand format, then this is an excellent resource.

Having read numerous books on the subject, I found this to be an excellent collection of studies and essays. It covers many of the key issues surrounding the death penalty and is a very readable and scholarly work. Bedau has done a fabulous job with this third issue.

If you want an indepth analysis of the death penalty, this is the book for you! Jam-packed with history, statistics, trends, and lots of vital information, this book is a must-have for any serious anti-death penalty activist.