Customer Reviews

The Death Penalty (Opposing Viewpoints Digests)

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The Opposing Viewpoints series is a good series for students and others who are working on some of the hot button issues of today. Each volume contains essays and articles that explore the issues thoroughly from several different angles. Sometimes there are two clear sides, but sometimes it is a bit more nuanced.

This particular volume deals with the Death Penalty. The issues explored within the volume include the justice of the death penalty - is this a just punishment? Can it be humanely performed, and is this an issue that needs to be addressed. The issue is explored from the standpoint of the victim's family as well as the society issue of vengeance versus justice. The question of whether or not it deters murder and other serious crimes is explored on both sides. Finally, the issue of the uneven and unfair application of the death penalty, particularly with regard to minorities, is considered.

Overall, this is a very good beginners book to the issue. It helps to set the guidelines for debate and discussion. There is an appendix with facts and statistics about the death penalty, study questions, further reading suggestions and an index. The author, Gail B. Stewart, has written over 80 books for children and young adults on a wide range of topics.