Explore in-depth resources and expert interviews on capital punishment, covering its legal implications, history, and current practices in the United States. Visitors will find informative content discussing the complexities of death row, appeals processes, and notable Supreme Court rulings. Our expertly curated materials provide a comprehensive understanding of this controversial legal issue without offering specific legal advice.
Cruel and unusual punishment is punishment prohibited by the Eighth Amendment, including excessive bail, excessive fines, and inhumane or disproportionate penalties. U.S. courts assess it by looking at evolving standards of decency and whether conditions or sentences are excessive or unnecessarily painful. This article explains the amendment’s history, key Supreme Court tests, and how the […]
What is cruel and unusual punishment? Read More »
Capital punishment in the United States operates through a complex dual system of federal and state laws. Currently, 27 capital punishment states maintain death penalty statutes, while 23 states have abolished it. Capital punishment procedures vary significantly across jurisdictions, with each state determining its own eligible crimes and methods.
Capital Punishment in America: Laws, Methods & Debate Read More »
The death penalty is a court-ordered punishment that can be imposed for certain aggravated crimes, and as of 2025 it remains legal in a minority of countries worldwide and in some U.S. jurisdictions. Its use is governed by constitutional limits, statutory procedures, and extensive appellate review, with ongoing debate over deterrence, fairness, and wrongful convictions.
Comprehensive Guide to Understanding the Death Penalty in Law Read More »
Michael Ross wrote this death row account in 1998 while awaiting resentencing after his original death sentence was overturned. The piece, introduced by the late editor Bill Bickel, reflects on life and mindset under a death sentence. This article republishes that firsthand narrative and its publication context. Forward by the late Bill Bickel – former
It’s Time For Me To Die: An Inside Look At Death Row Read More »
“Presumed Guilty” argues the jury missed key evidence in Scott Peterson’s trial and contends he should not face a death sentence. It features a 2007 interview with author Matt Dalton by journalist Bill Bickel, exploring disputed facts and legal issues. This article reviews the book and summarizes the interview’s central claims about the Laci Peterson
