The Death of Punishment

Searching for Justice among the Worst of the Worst

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Crimes & Criminals, Penology, Reference & Language, Law, Criminal law
Cover of the book The Death of Punishment by Robert Blecker, St. Martin's Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Robert Blecker ISBN: 9781137381330
Publisher: St. Martin's Press Publication: November 19, 2013
Imprint: St. Martin's Press Language: English
Author: Robert Blecker
ISBN: 9781137381330
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Publication: November 19, 2013
Imprint: St. Martin's Press
Language: English

For twelve years Robert Blecker, a criminal law professor, wandered freely inside Lorton Central Prison, armed only with cigarettes and a tape recorder. The Death of Punishment tests legal philosophy against the reality and wisdom of street criminals and their guards. Some killers' poignant circumstances should lead us to mercy; others show clearly why they should die. After thousands of hours over twenty-five years inside maximum security prisons and on death rows in seven states, the history and philosophy professor exposes the perversity of justice: Inside prison, ironically, it's nobody's job to punish. Thus the worst criminals often live the best lives.

The Death of Punishment challenges the reader to refine deeply held beliefs on life and death as punishment that flare up with every news story of a heinous crime. It argues that society must redesign life and death in prison to make the punishment more nearly fit the crime. It closes with the final irony: If we make prison the punishment it should be, we may well abolish the very death penalty justice now requires.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

For twelve years Robert Blecker, a criminal law professor, wandered freely inside Lorton Central Prison, armed only with cigarettes and a tape recorder. The Death of Punishment tests legal philosophy against the reality and wisdom of street criminals and their guards. Some killers' poignant circumstances should lead us to mercy; others show clearly why they should die. After thousands of hours over twenty-five years inside maximum security prisons and on death rows in seven states, the history and philosophy professor exposes the perversity of justice: Inside prison, ironically, it's nobody's job to punish. Thus the worst criminals often live the best lives.

The Death of Punishment challenges the reader to refine deeply held beliefs on life and death as punishment that flare up with every news story of a heinous crime. It argues that society must redesign life and death in prison to make the punishment more nearly fit the crime. It closes with the final irony: If we make prison the punishment it should be, we may well abolish the very death penalty justice now requires.

More books from St. Martin's Press

Cover of the book Walt Whitman by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Passion and Pain by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book The Valley of the Shadow by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Sins of the Mother by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Darkness, Sing Me a Song by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book The Devil's Dinner by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Flame by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book The Prisoner's Wife by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Hiss and Hers by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Friends, Writers, and Other Countrymen by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Swift Edge by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Versailles by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book The Matchmaker by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Grave Consequences by Robert Blecker
Cover of the book Easy Chicken Recipes by Robert Blecker
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy