"Routledge Focus" -- from cover. Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents:
1. Remorse and Forgiveness in the Criminal Justice System -- 2. Remorse in the Unique Context of Death Row -- 3. The Remorseful Offender? Evidence From Their Last Statements -- 4. The Forgiving Victim? Evidence From Their Statements to the Media -- 5. Implications for the Death Penalty and Justice Systems in General.
Summary:
"Remorse on Death Row explores the notion of remorse, apologies, and forgiveness within the context of capital punishment, through the final words themselves of offenders on death row, and the co-victims' responses to them in their statements to the press, across the US. The book demonstrates that there is evidence that some offenders on death row are truly remorseful and that some of the family members of their victims could benefit from this remorse, but that this is unlikely in the current system of capital punishment. Drawing from the fields of criminology, psychology, and sociology, the book begins with a theoretically informed introduction to the concepts of remorse and forgiveness. Following on, is an exploration of apology and forgiveness specifically in the context of capital punishment. It discusses how some initiatives within the criminal justice system, such as apology laws and restorative justice programs, are being used to make it easier for offenders to apologize to their victims. Offenders on death row are considered, addressing why they might or might not apologize, and whether they are even capable of showing true remorse. The book then considers the family members of their victims ('co-victims'), addressing whether they benefit from hearing the offender express remorse and witnessing the execution, and whether forgiveness is possible in this context. Evidence to support the arguments presented in the book come from the offenders' final words and the co-victims' responses to them in their statements to the press. The book dispels two common myths about the death penalty. First, that offenders on death row are not simply "monsters" who are incapable of understanding the severity of their crimes. Second, despite the popular belief that the death penalty is necessary in order to provide closure for the victims' family members, it may actually have the opposite effect. The family members' statements to the press after witnessing the execution contain more negative themes like anger and disappointment than positive themes like closure and peace. The book concludes with a discussion of the implications this has for systems of justice in general, and how a better understanding of the emotional state of offenders can help both victims and offenders. Remorse on Death Row will be of great interest to students and scholars of Criminology, Psychology and Sociology"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.