Deadly Innocence? [Paperback]

Robert Perske (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1995

Beginning with the story of Joe Arridy, certified as a "feeble-minded imbecile" who was executed in Colorado in 1939, Deadly Innocence? traces political and judicial handling of incidents involving persons with retardation; describes similar current cases; and offers suggestions for action on the part of the police, the courts, professionals who work in the field of developmental disabilities, and concerned citizens.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Robert is widely known for his work on behalf of people with disabilities. In 1968 he received a Rosemary Dybwad International Award, enabling him to travel and study attitudes toward people with disabilities throughout Sweden and Denmakr. In 1987 he and Martha Perske shared the Healing Community Arts & Letters Award at the United Nations in New York. The Perskes have collaborated on two major reports to U.S. presidents: Mental Retardation: The Leading Edge, for President Carter; and, in cooperation with others, Mental Retardation: Century of Decision, for President Nixon.

Product Details

• Paperback: 143 pages
• Publisher: Abingdon Press; First edition (September 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0687006155
• ISBN-13: 978-0687006151
• Product Dimensions: 11 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #809,236 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perske brings a needed report from the dark side, February 8, 2008

By 

Hod Gray "SPECIAL NEEDS PROJECT" (Santa Barbara, CA (USA)) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deadly Innocence? (Paperback)

Beginning with the story of Joe Arridy, certified as a "feeble-minded imbecile" who was executed in Colorado in 1939, Deadly Innocence? traces political and judicial handling of incidents involving persons with retardation; describes similar current cases; and offers suggestions for action on the part of the police, the courts, professionals who work in the field of developmental disabilities, and concerned citizens.

Robert Perske is widely known as a writer and advocate has focused attention in recent years on the interface of disability and what is called the justice system. In this fast-paced true story, Perske continues his investigation of instances when confessions come too easily, or have little evidence to back them up.

The childlike Arridy, labeled "feebleminded," and formerly institutionalized, had been convicted of murder on the basis of a dubious confession. In spite of the efforts of the politically prominent prison warden, who had become Arridy's friend, Arridy was executed. He had to be talked out of taking his toy train-a gift from the warden-with him to the gas chamber.

5.0 out of 5 stars important book, April 13, 2011

By 

Emily P. Kingsley (Briarcliff Manor, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Deadly Innocence? (Paperback)

Robert Perske has always been a passionate advocate for the disenfranchised, for people who cannot speak adequately for themselves. This bok remains pertinent and relevant today. Well written and, of course, beautifully illustrated by the inspired Martha Perske.