This volume brings together seven experts -- judges, lawyers, prosecutors, and philosophers -- to debate the death penalty in a spirit of open inquiry and civil discussion. Is the death penalty a viable deterrent to future crimes? Does the imposition of lesser penalties, such as life imprisonment, truly serve justice in cases of the worst offences? Does the legal system discriminate against poor or minority defendants? Is the possibility of executing innocent persons sufficient grounds for abolition?

Introduction --Tinkering with death / Alex Kozinski -- An abolitionist's survey of the death penalty in America today / Hugo Adam Bedau -- Why the death penalty is morally permissible / Louis P. Pojman -- Close to death : reflections on race and capital punishment in America / Bryan Stevenson -- Truth and consequences : the penalty of death / Joshua K. Marquis -- Why the United States will join the rest of the world in abandoning capital punishment / Stephen B. Bright -- In defense of the death penalty / Paul G. Cassell -- "I must act" / George Ryan. Tinkering with death / Alex Kozinski -- An abolitionist's survey of the death penalty in America today / Hugo Adam Bedau -- Why the death penalty is morally permissible / Louis P. Pojman -- Close to death: reflections on race and capital punishment in America / Bryan Stevenson -- Truth and consequences: the penalty of death / Joshua K. Marquis -- Why the United States will join the rest of the world in abandoning capital punishment / Stephen B. Bright -- In defense of the death penalty / Paul G. Cassell -- I must act / George Ryan.