In Spite of Innocence: A Portrait of Duke Ellington

by Michael L. Radelet, Hugo Bedau, Constance E. Putnam, et al.

Book Overview

Few errors made by society can compare with the horror of executing a person wrongly convicted of a crime. This sobering book, which includes an expanded preface, tells the personal stories of over... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1555531423
• ISBN13: 9781555531423
• Release Date: January 1992
• Publisher: Northeastern University Press
• Length: 399 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

The truth comes out....

This is a wonderful book documenting some of the most significant failures of Justice in the 20th century. The stories presented within are both enthralling and heartbreaking. I highly recommend this book.Another reviewer accused this book's authors of "intellectual dishonesty" for including crimes that did not result in a death sentence. However, this reviewer erroneously stated that only crimes that eventually result in the death penalty are capital crimes. This is not true. A capital crime is an crime that carries with it the _potential_ for recieving a death sentence - not just the crimes that actually do recieve such a sentence. The authors also stated in the introduction that they would be including crimes which, at the time they were committed, constituted a capital offense, but no longer are considered death penalty-eligible (like rape).The only "intellectual dishonesty" present is that of certain reviewers who make false statements and tarnish the reputations of well-respected researchers.

A new look at the criminal justice system.

In our system of justice the worst case scenario is to be convicted of capitol crime and sentenced to death. Even worse than that is that fact you are innocent of the crime. This book exposes some serious miscarriages of the system. The authors, in great detail explain how over 400 Americans were wrongly incarcerated for crimes of which they did not commit. The book is a true insight into the world of our legal system. With great attention to the facts, you have a first hand look at people on death row. I was impressed and captured by how well the book tells the stories. I was able to finish the reading in just over 6 hours. If your fascinated by law, have a hobby with law or just want to spend some time with a real good book, here's your chance. An excellent read from start to finish. You won't be able to put it down.