Death by design : capital punishment as social psychological system /

Although Haney (psychology, Univ. of California, Santa Cruz) forthrightly states his opposition to the death penalty, which he has studied for years, this book focuses not on his personal position but instead on relevant, meaningful concerns regarding the implementation of the death penalty--concerns people need to consider about this contentious issue. Haney starts by identifying the media "fear factor"--i.e., how television and film depictions of crime and criminals can contribute to a culture that sustains support for the death penalty, and how newspaper reports of violent crime distort both the reality of the crime and how the death penalty works. He gives an insightful look at public opinion polls before embarking on a compelling and detailed discussion of jury selection in capital cases; the effects of death-qualified juries; problems relating to the identification and use of aggravating and mitigating circumstances in reaching capital decisions; and the inability of jurors to fully comprehend instructions for sentencing determination. In the final chapter, Haney recommends some reforms necessary if the death penalty continues to be applied. Clearly written and logically and coherently developed, this enlightening volume includes comprehensive and extremely useful endnotes. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All readers; all collections. M. A. Foley Marywood University