This book examines some fundamental questions surrounding the issue of capital punishment today. It provides a historical overview of capital punishment, examines countries where the death penalty is still permitted today, and explores the pros and cons of capital punishment.

What is capital punishment? --The origins of capital punishment -- Debating capital punishment -- Movement to abolish capital punishment -- Do vulnerable people get executed? -- Life on death row -- The future of capital punishment -- Appendix : Capital punishment legal status by country -- Appendix : Executions of child offenders -- Organizations opposed to the death penalty -- Organizations in favor of the death penalty.