Customer Reviews

Just Revenge: Costs and Consequences of the Death Penalty

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a great short introduction to the many arguments against the death penalty. I would highly recommend this book to those who are investigating this topic for the first time, because the book clearly shows how our criminal "justice" system is anything BUT just - especially as it relates to the death penalty and indigent defense.

This well-written book examines virtually all arguments regarding the death penalty. In addition to exposing current practices, Just Revenge also puts the death penalty in an historical context. Its inevitable conclusion, as it demolishes every well-cherished but incorrect justification for the death penalty (with the exception of a clause in the 5th Amendment) , is that the only thing proponents have left on their side is indeed just revenge. Mark Costanzo's own opinion is clear virtually from the start, but he backs it up with fact after devastating fact. If you want to learn more about the death penalty, this is an excellent place to begin. It is also a useful reference book as it is chock-full of statistics and anecdotes.

This was a good and concise publication in opposition to capital punishment. It presented good arguments from various angles as to why the death penalty should be abolished. It would definitely be a great tool in a college classroom.

This book clears up a lot of misconceptions about the death penalty. It discusses all the arugments, pro and con. It is well researched and documented to back up its assertions. No matter your view on capital punishment, you should read this book.

Costanzo is able to breakdown the reality of the death penalty. He brings out both arguments on the death penalty, while staying strong and firm on his view. He breaks down the cost of having the death penalty and what the real affects will be on society in the long run. This is a very well written book on a very contriversial issue in our society.

This book helped me out so much with my research paper that I was doing on Capital punishment. I am in 10th grade,pro-life and, believe that everybody can change, even murderers. They don't deserve to die. I'm not a bible believing person or anything, but if the bible is about love, than why do I see so many bible experts supporting the death penalty? God has never commanded anyone to kill...has he? I wish the author would touch on the bible and how it relates to the death penalty more instead of the history of it. I think we should give death row inmates more chances to change their ways. Maybe if we set them free and trust them, than they would change. I would not be afraid of living with Ted Bundy even after he did all those cruel things to girls. The U.S. gov't is dumb in keeping the death penalty. Therefore, if we dd not have the deah penalty system, crime rate would decrease. They need to read this book so their attitudes will change. Killing is wrong.

This book methodically deconstructs all the arguments for the death penalty and exposes it for the practice of brutal revenge and the morbid political tactic that it is.

This book was the most useful tool I have ever encountered for organizing my thoughts and arguments against capital punishment. Even if you don't read the book, this book is worth the cost simply for the extensive bibliography at the end which can further help your personal research. He dispels many myths about the death penalty (cost, deterrance, public opinion) while presenting a strong ethical argument against it as well. Anyone who truly analyzes this compelling evidence cannot help but be swayed to his way of thinking.

Even though this book has an anti-death penalty message, its facts and figures are solid and interesting to anyone researching this topic. It is a quick read for anyone who wants a summary about the past and present status of the death penalty in America.

It is my sincere hope that one day the United States will join the rest of the civilized world and abolish the death penalty. I challenge any rational and open-minded person to continue supporting the death penalty after reading this book.