Each entry in this essential collection of primary resources on capital punishment features an authoritative introduction and analysis that helps provide crucial context for understanding the evolution of law and public attitudes toward the death penalty in America, from colonial times to the present.

Showcasing key primary documents that illuminate the ongoing debate and turbulent history of capital punishment in the United States, this collection gathers a wide range of fascinating and momentous documents, including court decisions and transcripts, legislation, personal accounts and perspectives, congressional testimony, and government documents. Since these documents reflect all political perspectives and messaging, students will gain valuable insight into the evolution of public opinion and government policy on the death penalty in America.

To better understand these documents, each primary source is prefaced with an introduction and followed by scholarly analysis. These documents and accompanying analysis complement one another, helping students gain a better and more accurate understanding of the viewpoints, convictions, and perspectives that have shaped American attitudes and practices toward capital punishment since the United States' earliest days.