Death Row: Interviews with Inmates, Their Families and Opponents of Capital Punishment

Dicks, Shirley

ISBN 10: 0595149103 / ISBN 13: 9780595149100

Published by iUniverse, 2000

About this Item

UK stocked, available immediately. Trade paperback, published by iUniverse in 2000. There is some handling wear, but the text is bright and clean throughout.

Seller Inventory # sk4qws268

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Death Row: Interviews with Inmates, Their Families and Opponents of Capital Punishment
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication Date: 2000
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0595149103
• ISBN 13: 9780595149100
• Binding: Good

About this title

Synopsis

Death Row is the inspired work of the impoverished Tennessee mother of Jeffrey Dicks, whose son languished on death row for a robbery he didn't commit and a murder he didn't even see. Shirley Dicks was inspired by the inequality of our justice system to publish these series of interviews by those who oppose the death penalty. This thought provoking collection provides much insight on this controversial issue. The United States' stand on the death penalty, in light of US leadership in human rights, appears to be a contradiction to the rest of the world. The methods of execution are sometimes extremely painful and not quick. An overwhelming percentage of those on death row are impoverished and would not be there if they had other resources besides desultory and ineffective court appointed counsel. These and other important issues are poignantly addressed. Shirley Dicks was unable to hire a competent legal defense. At the trial the family was shocked when vital evidence was never presented to the jury. Jeff, who had no history of violent or criminal behavior, was convicted of murder and sentenced to die in Tennessee's electric chair. Jeff's loved ones never lost faith in his innocence, and they shared in his daily burden of deadly uncertainty and experience the painful frustrations of their attempts to set him free. Unfortunately, Jeff died in prison in 1999 from inadequate medical treatment, which was several years after his conviction in 1978.

About the Author

My first book, Death Row, I wrote after my son was wrongly convicted in Tennessee and sent to death row. I began researching the death penalty, and speaking out against it. I wanted others to know how the death penalty works so I interviewed the experts, and the inmates themselves. I also interviewed victims family members. I wanted to bring my son's case to light. I have since written five other books on capital punishment, including my life story about my son Jeff.