Death is different : studies in the morality, law, and politics of capital punishment /

In this splendid book Bedau (Tufts) argues against capital punishment. He has authored The Courts, the Constitution, and Capital Punishment (1977) and edited The Death Penalty in America (3rd ed., 1982). In Death is Different arguments in favor of the death penalty-based on retribution, deterrence, forfeiture of rights, and vindication of the social order-are clearly and fairly explained and devastatingly criticized. In addition, recent issues before the courts (such as racial discrimination and cruel and unusual punishment) are taken up. An examination is made of state constitutions and new death penalty laws that attempt to satisfy court decisions. Because the book is put together from articles, some oddities result; nevertheless, the material has been updated and there are fascinating empirical details that address the politics as well as the legal and moral issues surrounding the topic. Accompanying the text are an excellent bibliography, table of court cases, and full set of notes; some of the best and most subtle arguments are in the notes. Along with E. Van den Haag and J.P. Conrad's The Death Penalty: A Debate (CH, Apr '84), Bedau's study should be in all libraries and in the hands of state legislators.-R.H. Evans, University of Minnesota-Duluth