Description
Book SynopsisThe death penalty is one of the most contentious issues of our time and has generated an astonishing amount of arguments both for and against capital punishment. Out of this debate, Martinez, Richardson, and Hornsby have crafted the broadest and most balanced account to date. The Leviathan''s Choice: Capital Punishment in the Twenty-First Century explores the death penalty from four distinct perspectivesphilosophical, theological, social science, and legaland includes scholarly essays on both sides of the debate. An ideal reader for students and policy makers, The Leviathan''s Choice is essential for everyone following the arguments surrounding the death penalty.
Trade ReviewSuperb collection on the death penalty. These extremely well-written essays offer arguments both in favor of and opposed to the death penalty. Anyone desiring a deeper understanding of the complexities of the death penalty can now choose from an incredibly broad selection of substantive essays. Essential. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 Preface and Acknowledgments Chapter 3 Introduction: Perspectives on the Death Penalty Part 4 Philosophical Perspectives Chapter 5 Low Deeds and High Goods: Philosophical Foundations of the Death Penalty in the American Regime Chapter 6 Bearing Witness and Writing History in the Struggle Against Capital Punishment Chapter 7 Why Capital Punishment? Chapter 8 "Woe to the Hand That Shed This Costly Blood': Philosophical Arguments against the Death Penalty Part 9 Theological Perspectives Chapter 10 Religious Orientation, Race, and Support for the Death Penalty Chapter 11 Theological Arguments and the Case Against Capital Punishment Chapter 12 Is Capital Punishment Wrong? Chapter 13 Deliverance From the Vicious Cycles of Murder Part 14 Social Science Perspectives Chapter 15 Social Science Data and the Death Penalty: Understanding the Debate Over 'A Broken System' Chapter 16 Fatal Flaws: The Implementation of the Death Penalty in the States Chapter 17 Race and the Death Penalty Chapter 18 'The Executioner's Face is Always Well-Hidden': Social Science Arguments Against Capital Punishment Part 19 Legal Perspectives Chapter 20 Massive Resistance: Capital Punishment, the Abolitionist Movement and the Supreme Court Chapter 21 'Freakishly Imposed' or 'Fundamentally Fair'?: Legal Arguments Against the Death Penalty Chapter 22 Legal Arguments in Favor of the Death Penalty Chapter 23 Flaws in Capital Sentencing: Skewing the Reasoned Moral Response Part 24 Future Directions of Capital Punishment Chapter 25 The Death Penalty and the International Community: Evolving Norms or Persistent Differences? Chapter 26 Reflections on the Future of the Death Penalty
