Abstract
This paper examines the issue of habeas corpus appeals for death row inmates, arguing that they are unnecessary. It further examines the issues of a fair trial, possible wrongful conviction and the drain on resources that these appeals entail.

From the Paper
"The issue of the appellate courts' role in capital punishment cases is a matter of controversy. Some people feel that the federal courts should be allowed to review cases of state prisoners on the basis of habeas corpus to ensure that they have received a fair trial. Justice John Paul Stevens has noted that federal habeas proceedings reveal deficiencies in ... percent to ... percent of the capital cases, a finding that suggests that failing to allow federal review of such cases submits..."

Tags:appellate, death row, capital punishment, trial, litigation, judicial, execution, habeas corpus

Abstract
The paper analyzes the language, tone and imagery in the opening of Mumia Abu-Jamal's death row memoir, "Live From Death Row". The paper demonstrates how through excellent use of language, tone and style, Jamal both shapes his readers' opinions of death row prisoners, and challenges their views on the death penalty.

From the Paper
"Throughout history, speech and language have influenced peoples' thoughts on some of the most controversial of issues. Many of these elocutionists and writers were put to their deaths shortly after, and sometimes before, their words were revealed. One recalls the convicting message of Martin Luther, delivered under the threat of death, Thomas Moore, delivered shortly before death, and Martin Luther King, delivered before his untimely execution. While many of these speakers' words expressed deep conviction, the syntax alone was not what proved to convict members of the audience--whether in person or in writing. Instead, a combination of language, tone, and imagery worked together to shape and challenge perceptions and preconceived notions. A more contemporary example of this can be seen in Mumia Abu-Jamal's death row memoir, "Live From Death Row." Jamal, an African-American activist, radio host, and writer, who was sentenced to death for the murder of a police officer in 1981 ("Mumia Abu-Jamal"), has caused Americans to consider their views on the death penalty, much as Troy Davis's much more recently publicized case has invoked further thought on the issue ("Troy Davis--Finality Over Fairness")."

Tags:death, penalty, reader, opinion

Abstract
This paper looks at the American justice system with emphasis on death row. The author defines what death row is and what life for prisoners sentenced to the death sentence is like. Included are interviews with people on death row.

From the Paper
"America stands alone in the western world as the only so-called "Free" country that still executes its own citizens. America's justice system in particular is inherently biased, usually racially, always monetarily if you have the money to pay for a good criminal lawyer, and all the appeals, chances are you won't get the death penalty. The one thing these people all have in common is lack of funds, and without the ability to work while on Death Row, these people have no option but to just sit and wait for the inevitable to occur. The people on death row are not all "Ax murderers" or "Serial rapists," a disturbing number of them may actually be innocent of the crimes for which they've been sentenced to be executed. Our anthology will be based upon writings from within the cell walls of prisons across the United States of America. Each writing comes from a person who is imprisoned for life. Many of these people have received the death penalty and are just wasting their life away on death row. Each individual has been in prison for years and is still paying for the crimes in which he or she has committed."

Tags:deathrow, jail, life, narratives, prison, sentence, criminal, law, justice

Abstract
This paper proposes that the use of death row inmates for human experimentation is ethically correct although ethical extremists might argue against this. The paper further relates that this nation is keeping death row killers alive for years sitting in their cells doing nothing, which is a waste of valuable tax money. The paper continues that, through this human experimentation, society would benefit from the development of new medicines and procedures, which cannot be adequately tested on animals.

From the Paper
"This brings the presentation to the next major point that needs to be established. Many discoveries made throughout the course of history, including a handful that are very familiar with the American people such as anesthesia, stethoscopes, morphine, links connecting cholesterol with heart disease, smoking cigarettes with cancer, and the onset of AIDS, are a direct result of human experimentation. Yet, the same ethical extremist might argue that there is animal experimentation for that purpose, that we as a nation do not need human beings to help find cures to diseases and answers to health questions."

Tags:survival costs animal, pharmaceutical drugs, tax money

Abstract
The paper offers a brief background and overview of DNA testing and focuses on the perspective that DNA tests should be implemented to all death row inmates to lead to a more just and legal outcome. The paper discusses documented cases that have shown the efficacy and necessity of DNA testing but then looks at the arguments against DNA testing, focusing on the central argument that it can impinge on privacy rights. The paper argues that the case for DNA testing of death row inmates has far more ethical and moral weight than any opposing arguments.

Outline:
Introduction
Brief Background and Overview
The Argument Against DNA Testing
The Case for DNA Testing
Conclusion

From the Paper
"The view that DNA testing should be applied to all those convicted on crimes that result in a death row sentence is one that has been vigorously debated and contested. The view that supports DNA tests for those on death row is a perspective that is difficult to fault. Simply stated, the core reasoning that supports this view is that DNA testing can prevent unnecessary deaths in cases of those who have been unjustly convicted of crimes. "Stories about innocent individuals convicted of crimes while the actual perpetrators remain at large are becoming increasingly common in U.S. newspapers, magazines, and broadcast outlets." (Weinberg 76) "

Tags:ethics, morals, fairness, justice, privacy, convictions

Abstract
This paper examines the process of death row appeals. The paper explains how an inmate on death row has the ability to appeal their case in the U.S. justice system at a number of levels, finally reaching the Supreme Court. The paper includes a number of real-life examples of the appeal process, as well as quotes from lawyers and journalists about the system.

From the Paper
"There are few instances in which the conviction was altered after successive appeals but that only violates the right of the society to make criminals pay for their actions. It is true that in some cases innocent people may be put on death row but for that one appeal should be enough. There is no need to give unlimited appealing right as that would gives some real criminals to plea bargain. Many will get life imprisonment instead of execution even though they deserve to be put to death."

Tags:justice, criminal, court, case, supreme, lawyer, inmate, capital, punishment

Abstract
This paper argues that DNA testing should be available to prisoners on death row who maintain their innocence. This argument is based on three principles. The first point discussed is a scientific argument that DNA testing is one of the most reliable crime solving tactics available today. The second point is an economic argument, since state-funded DNA tests ultimately costs the taxpayers less than the appeals process and the costs of housing an innocent prisoner. Finally, the most important argument for DNA testing is moral. The writer states that making DNA tests available for prisoners would further the judicial process not only by helping convict the guilty, but also by exonerating the innocent.

From the Paper
"The use of DNA in solving crimes has become widely accepted. DNA is now routinely presented in courts as evidence. DNA evidence had helped to identify crime victims and has helped put criminals behind bars.
However, DNA evidence is also becoming valuable in another aspect of the judicial system. Increasingly, DNA testing is helping lawyers in defending innocent clients. In many cases, DNA tests have proven the innocence of many prisoners who have been in jail for years. This includes prisoners who would otherwise have been executed."

Tags:prisoner, penalty, trial, guilty, evidence

Abstract
The paper explains the physical and psychological routines of their day and how the inmates cope with the particular stressors of their prison life.

Abstract
This paper presents an historical look at the enforcement of the death penalty in America and examines how the length of time a death row inmate may sit on death row varies from state to state. The paper also looks at the impact the length of time spent on death row may have on murder rates.

From the Paper
"The first recorded execution in American was in 1608, the first woman executed was in 1632, and the first juvenile offender was in 1642 (Streib, 4). Capital punishment can best be described as punishment that fits the crime. These capitally punished crimes began to be limited to murder, violent crimes, treason, and various acts of sodomy by the late 18th century (Streib, 4). Different states reduced the crimes that the death penalty could be punishment for (Streib, 5). According to Streib, "In 1846, Michigan became the first state to abolish the death penalty for all crimes except treason. About a dozen other states joined Michigan in the early 20th century" (5). Fewer and fewer death penalties are being dealt to criminals and many blame rising crime rates on this fact."

Tags:capital, crime, criminal, death, electrocution, injection, law, lethal, penalty, punishment, state

Abstract
This paper is a discussion of black activist, author, and self-described political prisoner, Mumia Abu-Jamal, author of "Live from Death Row". The paper looks at how Abu-Jamal, who is awaiting execution for a crime he insists he did not commit, has written scathingly about racism in America and the particular racism of the death penalty.

From the Paper
"Abu-Jamal's writings convey the deep-rooted rage of many blacks in America who believe that justice is not color-blind but instead discriminates against black men, especially when their victims are white. Abu-Jamal is a powerful writer, though his writings are targeted to an almost exclusively black audience and his interest seems focused principally on inspiring his audience to political action. His fury, and the perspective that he represents, is almost diametrically opposed to the moderate, mainstream voices of civil rights activism most closely associated with the late Martin Luther King Jr. His writings are worth studying for the understanding they give of the ways that civil rights has failed many blacks in America and the suggestion that racism continues to be a powerful social issue."

Tags:civil, rights, activism, author, capital, punishment