"The debate about capital punishment is passionate and enduring. Context and circumstances matter. Or do they? A thorough and insightful treatment, Capital Punishment provides both a summary of the current state of capital punishment and a discussion of areas of continuing controversy"--Provided by publisher.

History -- Facts, figures, and methods of execution -- The United States Constitution and capital punishment -- Arguments for and against the death penalty -- Appendix 1. An annotated list of cases : evolving standards of decency and the U.S. Supreme Court's treatment of capital punishment -- Appendix 2. Capital punishment timeline -- Appendix 3. Bibliography and selected resources.