This book offers an in-depth examination of the historical perspective on the death penalty, discusses the process involved in the sentencing and administration of justice, and clarifies facets of an issue which is riddled with inequities and ambiguities that reflect gender bias, and racial and economic disparity. For example, of the 3028 people on 'death row' as of August 1995, only 15% were women. Of those who are on 'death row' today, virtually all are poor, a significant number are mentally retarded or otherwise mentally disabled, more than 40% are African-American, and a disproportionate number are Native American, Latino and Asian. These facts need to be carefully weighed against the grief, pain, and anguish caused by the untimely death of a murder victim with regard to the family members, as well as the related legal costs to society.