The U.S. death penalty is a peculiar institution; and a uniquely American one. Despite its comprehensive abolition elsewhere in the Western world; capital punishment continues in dozens of American states– a fact that is frequently discussed but rarely understood. The same puzzlement surrounds the peculiar form that American capital punishment now takes; with its uneven application; its seemingly endless delays; and the uncertainty of its ever being carried out in individual cases; none of which seem conducive to effective crime control or criminal justice. In a brilliantly provocative study; David Garland explains this tenacity and shows how death penalty practice has come to bear the distinctive hallmarks of America’s political institutions and cultural conflicts. America’s radical federalism and local democracy; as well as its legacy of violence and racism; account for our divergence from the rest of the West. Whereas the elites of other nations were able to impose nationwide abolition from above despite public objections; American elites are unable– and unwilling– to end a punishment that has the support of local majorities and a storied place in popular culture.In the course of hundreds of decisions; federal courts sought to rationalize and civilize an institution that too often resembled a lynching; producing layers of legal process but also delays and reversals. Yet the Supreme Court insists that the issue is to be decided by local political actors and public opinion. So the death penalty continues to respond to popular will; enhancing the power of criminal justice professionals; providing drama for the media; and bringing pleasure to a public audience who consumes its chilling tales. Garland brings a new clarity to our understanding of this peculiar institution– and a new challenge to supporters and opponents alike.
#94981 in Books Abigail Adams 2010-11-15 2010-10-12Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.32 x 1.05 x 6.38l; 1.64 #File Name: 0674057058528 pagesMy Dearest Friend Letters of Abigail and John Adams
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Great Collection!By RDDGot this as a birthday gift for my girlfriend who enjoys history. While it does not include all of Abigail and John Adams' letters to each other; it makes for an excellent collection as it has most of them and actually allows the reader to follow their conversations; whereas other letter collections usually include only John or Abigail; but not both together.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. Intimate HistoryBy Cheapskater999Should be required reading for all American History buffs. You will be amazed at the intelligence and vibrancy of our founding fathers/mothers. They are both good writers and their writing quality and the insights it contains increases over the years. Reading through these letters also gives an interesting view of how "American English" has evolved. This book will bring you to tears of both sadness and joy as you slowly realize what huge sacrifices and dangers these real people faced in inventing America day to day by the seat of their pants. Live through Bunker Hill and smallpox and surviving on potatoes and outsmarting the British with plenty of details. A hidden gem.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Abigail was truly remarkableBy SolumadurGives great insight into one of the most storied relationships of the US founding. It's fascinating being privy to the correspondence between these two.
