Death Row: Interviews with Inmates, Their Families and Opponents of Capital Punishment [Paperback]

Shirley Dicks (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2000

Death Row is the inspired work of the impoverished Tennessee mother of Jeffrey Dicks, whose son languished on death row for a robbery he didn't commit and a murder he didn't even see. Shirley Dicks was inspired by the inequality of our justice system to publish these series of interviews by those who oppose the death penalty. This thought provoking collection provides much insight on this controversial issue. The United States' stand on the death penalty, in light of US leadership in human rights, appears to be a contradiction to the rest of the world. The methods of execution are sometimes extremely painfully and not quick. An overwhelming percentage of those on death row are impoverished and would not be there if they had other resources besides desultory and ineffective court appointed counsel. These and other important issues are poignantly addressed. Shirley Dicks was unable to hire a competent legal defense. At the trial the family was shocked when vital evidence was never presented to the jury. Jeff, who had no history of violent or criminal behavior, was convicted of murder and sentenced to die in Tennessee's electric chair. Jeff's loved ones never lost faith in his innocence, and they shared in his daily burden of deadly uncertainty and experience the painful frustrations of their attempts to set him free. Unfortunately, Jeff died in prison in 1999 from inadequate medical treatment, which was several years after his conviction in 1978.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

My first book, Death Row, I wrote after my son was wrongly convicted in Tennessee and sent to death row. I began researching the death penalty, and speaking out against it. I wanted others to know how the death penalty works so I interviewed the experts, and the inmates themselves. I also interviewed victims family members. I wanted to bring my son's case to light. I have since written five other books on capital punishment, including my life story about my son Jeff.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: iUniverse (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595149103
• ISBN-13: 978-0595149100
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 1.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,378,435 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #29 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Nonfiction > Crime & Criminals > Penology

More About the Author

I was born and raised in Concord, NH and moved south back in the 70s, ending up in TN. With four kids, I lived in NC for a few years until moving to middle Tn and began to write.

My first three books were bought by McFarland co, called, Death Row, Victims, and From Vietnam To Hell. Next, I sold Young Blood and Congregation of the Condemned by Prometheus Books and New Horizon Press took They're Going To Kill My Son which was my life story. However they changed things, names and all so eventually I rewrote it, brought it up to date and began to self publish my own books, called, A Mothers Torment, www.amotherstorment.com

I self published The Choice Is Yours, A Long Road Home, The Devil's Playground, and There IS Life After Fifty. McFarland is now republishing my first three books that had gone out of print and now I'm putting them up as ebooks.


Now that I'm in my seventies, I'm trying to learn photography now in order to do some travel articles with photos. Also working on two non fiction books plus a romance.

My oldest son Jeff Dicks was killed in 1999 due to medical neglect and I lost my youngest son Trevor Dicks who spoke out on the death penalty issue with me at schools and colleges, due to a car crash. I adopted Jeff's daughter when she was born and she's now in her thirties with three beautiful children of her own.

I try to keep busy with my writing, my photography, spending time with my three beautiful great grandchildren, crocheting and anything I can do.

Will be adding my books as ebooks in the near future

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars The author should verify facts before writing, November 15, 2011

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This review is from: Death Row: Interviews with Inmates, Their Families and Opponents of Capital Punishment (Paperback)

It seems Ms. Dicks takes everything these inmates say at face value. I just read the three pages in her book, the only reason I paid my hard earned money for this trash, that deal with a certain inmate. Now, first off, an attorney will be contacted tomorrow. Second, I realize there may be SOME inmates who are innocent or maybe even not as guilty as they are branded but sweet heart, some are pure evil. Before she writes anymore and even after writing this trash, she should speak to EVERYONE involved and find out what REALLY happened behind closed doors before murder was convicted. Save your money and watch the antis protest the next execution on CNN...its more interesting AND potentially more factual.