Includes bibliographical references (pages 173-231) and index.
Contents
Death penalty debates in traditional abolitionist jurisdictions -- The New York State death penalty debate -- The abolition of capital punishment in New Jersey -- The abolition of capital punishment in New Mexico -- The abolition of capital punishment in Illinois -- The recurring life and death of death penalty legislation in Kansas -- Recent death penalty abolition near misses in New England : New Hampshire and Connecticut -- Recent abolition near misses : Nebraska and Maryland -- De facto abolition states -- Opposition to capital punishment in the South and Texas -- Summary and conclusion : the death penalty on a downhill slope.