"Today, more than ever, Americans are asking questions about what
role, if any, the death penalty should have in modern law
enforcement. Professor Sarat makes an important contribution to
that debate by demonstrating the essential role of mercy and
clemency in the criminal justice system. This thoughtful book
should be read by every citizen who cares about the issue, and by
every governor and president entrusted with the power to punish or
pardon."--Senator Edward M. Kennedy
"In a very readable style, Austin Sarat's "Mercy on Trial"
contributes mightily to the study of mercy, rehabilitation,
redemption, and the complexity of the gubernatorial pardon. This
work will help reform our justice system and hasten
abolition."--George H. Ryan, former Governor of Illinois
"As one of America's preeminent scholars of the history and
philosophical underpinnings of capital punishment, Austin Sarat has
debunked every myth used to rationalize the death penalty. Now,
with the publication of "Mercy on Trial," Professor Sarat explores
the jurisprudence and other factors surrounding capital clemency in
America. He reminds us that, absent skilled advocacy, innocence
offers little protection from state-sanctioned violence. Professor
Sarat sends a powerful message to not only the legal community, but
to every American who cares about human rights and equal justice
under the law."--John D. Podesta, former Chief of Staff to
President Clinton and President and CEO, Center for American
Progress
"Should mercy play a role in a governor's decision to commute a
death sentence, to spare a condemned person? The question is
important with regard to what kind of society we want to have. We
are indebted to AustinSarat for addressing it in "Mercy on Trial"
as well as examining Governor George Ryan's commutation of 167
death sentences in Illinois in 2003, the decline of clemency as a
result of the 'tough on crime' politics of our time, and the legal,
historical, and philosophical aspects of the clemency power. This
book is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand
executive clemency in the United States."--Stephen B. Bright,
Director, Southern Center for Human Rights
"Professor Austin Sarat has written a compelling, comprehensive,
and persuasive book on mercy and the death penalty--a must-read for
anyone concerned about capital punishment, and one that offers
deeply philosophical and reflective views on one of the most
controversial issues today. Whether you support or oppose the death
penalty, Sarat's book is a powerful, probative, and thorough
treatment of the subject, and will be well-received in many
quarters."--Charles J. Ogletree, Jr., Jesse Climenko Professor of
Law, Harvard Law School, and author of "All Deliberate Speed:
Reflections on the First Half-Century of Brown v. Board of
Education"
"Thought-provoking, gripping, well-researched, and always
passionate, "Mercy on Trial" is a splendid book on one of our most
controversial issues. You will be moved by it. You will want to
discuss it. Austin Sarat is one of our greatest thinkers in the
areas of jurisprudence and ethics. Must reading."--Harlan Coben,
author of "Tell No One," "Just Look," and "Gone for Good"
"A thoroughly approachable and enjoyable read, "Mercy on Trial"
is an in-depth exploration of the pardoning power and the paradox
of a legal power that is not legally reviewable. With his usual
interdisciplinaryflair, Austin Sarat brings together law, current
events, political history, and philosophical theory, and does so in
a way that is illuminating and instructive."--David Garland, New
York University, author of "The Culture of Control"
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