The Death Penalty: A Worldwide Perspective [Paperback]

Roger Hood CBE QC (Hon) DCL FBA (Author), Carolyn Hoyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 2, 2008 | ISBN-10: 0199228477 | ISBN-13: 978-0199228478 | Edition: 4

The 4th edition of this authoritative study of the death penalty, now written jointly with Carolyn Hoyle, brings up-to-date developments in the movement to abolish the death penalty worldwide. It draws on Roger Hoods experiences as consultant to the United Nations for the UN Secretary Generals five-yearly surveys of capital punishment and on the latest information from a wide range of non-governmental organizations and academic literature. Not only have many more countries abolished capital punishment but, even amongst those that continue to retain it, the majority have been carrying out fewer executions. Legal challenges to mandatory capital punishment have been successful, as has the pressure to abolish the death penalty for those who commit a capital crime when under the age of 18. This edition has more to say about the prospects that China will restrict and control the number of executions on the road to abolition. Yet, despite such advances, this book reveals many human rights abuses where the death penalty still exists. In some countries a wide range of crimes remain subject to capital punishment and the authorities too often fail to meet the safeguards embodied in international human rights treaties to safeguard those facing the death penalty. There is evidence of police abuse, unfair trials, lack of access to competent defence counsel, excessive periods of time spent in horrible conditions on death row, and public, painful forms of execution. The authors engage with the latest debates on the realities of capital punishment, especially its justification as a uniquely effective deterrent; whether it can ever be administered equitably, without discrimination or error; and what influence relatives of victims should have in sentencing and on the public debate. For the first time, it also discusses the problem of devising an alternative to capital punishment; especially, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Editorial Reviews

Review

`Review from previous edition ... timely work ... Its upbeat conclusion is that governments may, one day, realise that capital punishment cannot be administered in societies founded on the principles of human rights, equality and justice.' International and Comparative Law Quarterly

`...brings an international human rights perspective to the discussion ... its wordwide perspective brings another dimension and greater depth to the arguments surrounding the return of executions to America'' LEIGH B.BIENEN The Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology

`From the first edition: There are books published which should be read from cover to cover to obtain a full understanding of theme and style. This report on the death penalty certainly repays reading in this fashion but its real value is for reference and information.' The Rt Hon Merlyn Rees MP, The House Magazine

`The skill with which this material is brought together and evaluated from all over the world makes this book a documentary masterpiece ... it is also an important contribution to the general theory of deterrence.' Professor Heike Jung, Zeitschrift fur Strafvollzug und Straffalligenhilfe

`Hood tackles a daunting topical charge with sweep and incisiveness' Criminal Law Forum

`'excellent study ... is likely to remain for some time the scholarly authority that complements the regular and continuing publications of Amnesty International and other campaigning organizations' Andrew Rutherford, University of Southampton, British Journal of Criminology, Vol. 32, No. 3, Summer '92

`...offers the reader comprehensive insight into the current use of the death penalty throughout the world...This book is both comprehensive and extremely informative and will appeal to students, researchers, and anyone else seeking knowledge on the current state of the death penalty around the world.'' Criminal Justice 19/03/1997

`... it is a remarkable achievement to write such a wide-ranging and definitive book covering all aspects of the subject whilst maintaining strict academic neutrality.' JUSTICE of the PEACE 11/11/2004

`Prof Hood's work is a mine of information on the contemporary state of capital punishment. It is a compelling read for those who are revolted at the continuance of this punishment in today's civilised world.' Journal of the Commonwealth Lawyers 15/12/2003

`... the most authoritative account of the status of death penalty - its abolition and retention - in the contemporary world.' Journal of the Commonwealth Lawyers

About the Author

Roger Hood, CBE, QC (Hon), PhD, DCL, FBA is Emeritus Professor of Criminology, University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of All Souls College.
Carolyn Hoyle, D.Phil, is Reader in Criminology at the Centre for Criminology, University of Oxford and Fellow of Green College.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 4 edition (June 2, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199228477
• ISBN-13: 978-0199228478
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #703,216 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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