America's Death Penalty

The book offers a comprehensive examination of capital punishment in the United States, exploring its historical and theoretical foundations. America's Death Penalty challenges conventional narratives.

In America's Death Penalty, the complexities surrounding capital punishment in the United States are explored through a historical and theoretical lens. The book delves into the enduring prominence of the death penalty in American society, even as many other countries have moved away from such practices. This persistence raises essential questions about American exceptionalism and the cultural narratives that sustain the use of this ultimate form of punishment.

The contributors, who are leading scholars in the fields of crime and justice, challenge conventional views by examining the historical context and theoretical frameworks that have shaped the discourse on capital punishment. They highlight how the death penalty has been perceived at different times—as an anachronism, an inheritance, or an innovation—without fully considering the implications of these interpretations. This collection of essays aims to reframe the conversation, urging readers to recognize the historical entanglements that influence contemporary debates.

By incorporating comparative analyses of both European and American practices, America's Death Penalty provides fresh insights into the meaning and significance of capital punishment. The diverse perspectives offered in this volume are essential for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of the death penalty in the United States, making it a critical resource for scholars, policymakers, and advocates alike.