In the 400 years since the first execution was carried out for treason in Virginia, American jurisdictions have debated the appropriateness and methods of capital punishment. Over that time, courts have placed varying restrictions on its application. Political scientists James Whisker and Kevin Spiker survey this history from a new perspective.

"In the 400 years since the first known execution was carried out for treason in Virginia, American jurisdictions have debated both the appropriateness and methods of capital punishment and placed varying restrictions on its application. This book surveys this history from a penetrating new perspective"--