Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Rights and Liberties under the Law [Hardcover]

In one of the lengthiest, noisiest, and hottest legal debates in U.S. history,Cruel and Unusual Punishmentstands out as a levelheaded, even-handed, and thorough analysis of the issue.

The Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution created one of the nation's most valued freedoms but, at the same time, one of its most persistent controversies. On 184 separate occasions, the Supreme Court attempted to decide what constitutes cruel and unusual punishment.

Constitutional scholars Joseph A. Melusky and Judge Keith A. Pesto help readers make sense of the controversy. The authors begin by sketching the context of the debate in a general overview that addresses issues such as excessive bails and fines, and noncapital offenses. But their primary focus is capital punishment. In a detailed, chronologically ordered discussion, they trace the evolving opinion of the nation's highest court from the late 19th century to the present, analyzing issues, arguments, holdings, and outcomes.

Joseph A. Meluskyis chair of the Department of History and Political Science at Saint Francis University, Loretto, PA.

Keith A. Pestois a United States magistrate judge for the Western District of Pennsylvania.

Well written and easily accessible to students at the high school level, this title would be an excellent addition to both public and school libraries. It would be particularly useful to students preparing to debate either side of the issue. VOYA

This compact volume delivers a balanced review of the history, development, and current status of the death penalty in America . . . Suitable for public libraries and academic libraries serving undergraduates. Reference & User Services Quarterly

[S]eeks to provide a concise and coherent background on constitutional freedoms as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights.Cruel and Unusual Punishmentachieves that purpose admirably . . . Highly recommended. Pu