The Autobiography of an Execution

By David R. Dow

Book Overview

A riveting, artfully written memoir of a lawyer's life as he races to prevent death row inmates from being executed.
Near the beginning of The Autobiography of an Execution, David Dow lays his cards on the table. "People think that because I am against the death penalty and don't think people should be executed, that I forgive those people for what they did. Well, it isn't my place to forgive people, and if it were, I probably wouldn't. I'm a judgmental and not very forgiving guy. Just ask my wife."

It this spellbinding true crime narrative, Dow takes us inside of prisons, inside the complicated minds of judges, inside execution-administration chambers, into the lives of death row inmates (some shown to be innocent, others not) and even into his own home--where the toll of working on these gnarled and difficult cases is perhaps inevitably paid. He sheds insight onto unexpected phenomena-- how even religious lawyer and justices can evince deep rooted support for putting criminals to death-- and makes palpable the suspense that clings to every word and action when human lives hang in the balance.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0446562076
• ISBN13: 9780446562072
• Release Date: February 2011
• Publisher: Twelve
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.58 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

A gripping, personal survey

The Autobiography of an Execution is a must for any high school to college-level library strong in social issues in general and capital punishment and legal issues in particular. It tells of a Texas execution and comes from a lawyer who specializes in representing death-row cases. His witness of executions and the legal process offers an insider's view of the minds of judges, experiences of prison, and the death row chambers...

When the sand runs out

The author has a wife, a son, a dog. He is lawyer to people who die. He is also connected to a university. One client's drug addiction had consequences. Representing people subject to execution seems like important work. The work is done through a nonprofit legal-aid corporation. Dow doesn't want his death-row inmates to be hopeful that his legal maneuvers will work. Murder is an ugly crime, but most murderers...

Using logic against atavism

Lawyers, by their nature, use logic to convince people of things. This lawyer knows that logic doesn't work against the throwback to tribalism that some aspects of our justice system still have. "Deuteronomy trumps the Sixth Amendment every time...and the lonely lawyer declaiming about proper procedures is a shouting lunatic in the asylum whom people look at curiously and then pass by." Probably the only thing that saves...

Compelling, disturbing book, a memorable read

In Autobiography of an Execution, author David Dow uses several devices to present a compelling argument for the elimination of the death penalty. This is not, however, a dry casuistry, but a personal account that makes a powerful argument at the gut level. This book is memorable and has impact because it is so personal. Dow claims that he was a supporter of the death penalty, but that his experience has changed his viewpoint...

Stunning

To those who have read this book and still stand by your position on the death penalty in America, I say your hearts are very hard indeed. David R. Dow presents an unflinchingly honest personal account of his life, both private and public. His tone is even considering the work he does; last-minute attempts at trying to save those facing the death penalty in Texas. The most sentimental moments in this book are when he writes...