This work features writings by death-row inmates, family members of victims and perpetrators, religious and political figures, journalists, criminologists, and legal experts, along with information on programs designed to help young people who have gone astray. Intimate personal accounts reveal the fear and regret of death-row inmates as well as the horror and anxiety of their loved ones. In one moving chapter, a mother speaks candidly about the murder of her daughter and how she feels toward the murderer. Alternately grief-stricken and angry, she concludes that it is up to every citizen to play a part in helping our troubled children before they grow up to become gun-toting hoodlums. The book advocates rehabilitation programs, a new national emphasis on broken families and the problems of youth, child care for single mothers, and an overhaul of the juvenile-justice system. Dicks calls for a distinction between justice and revenge, and offers a provocative, wrenching, yet realistic look at a problem that threatens the future of our society.

I don't know when we will stop murdering people whether randomly on the streets or systematically in our death chambers. The only way to prevent continuation of the suffering and grief murder occasions in to prevent murder. I have worked with eighteen people who have been executed and five of those I'm convinced were innocent--the words of Joe Ingle, said to be a 1988 Nobel Peace Prize nominee, from Part I (which looks at those who are involved with the fight against the death sentence). ""The guy I am convicted of killing shot me three times before I fired at him, ...When I look back on life and think about it, I wonder why those thirteen people can decide if I should die. ...Society does not feel our pain, the horror of knowing the exact hour and day that they will set us in the chair and kill us""--Mr. D., one of the 11 death row inmates interviewed in Part II. Part III interviews family members. This thought-provoking collection provides much insight on this controversial issue. The United States stand on the death penalty, in light of U.S. 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.

Joseph Brown confessed to a burglary he committed with an accomplice, who got even by accusing Brown of a murder. Brown was convicted and sentenced to die, although the accomplice failed a polygraph test and admitted he lied. Brown, who came within hours of execution, was released after 13 years on death row--from a chapter on a victim of punishment. ""It was a pretty rough time and we prayed that Yusuf would be found alive. Eighteen days after he disappeared, they found his body in an abandoned school.... After the funeral I was still in shock and not wanting to believe that my Yusuf would never again put his arms around my neck""--from a mother's story about her murdered son. This thought-provoking collection of interviews provides an insight into the multi-faceted issue of victims. Topics include personal accounts, support and survival and voices for reform. Also discussed are organizations that provide assistance to victims.

I broke into a house, entering from the back door. When I left, two people inside were dead. I don't remember killing them, but I know I must have. All I can remember is the police chasing me. I thought I was in the jungle, with the Cong chasing me, trying to kill me before I could kill them....I was nineteen years old and the Vietnam War was the high point in my life. I didn't come home in a body bag or a wheel chair. Even though I thought I had come home a complete person, it's evident that I didn't--from the interview with Gary Cone. Interviews with Vietnam veterans and their family members explain as nothing else can the emotional consequences of wartime experiences. Many of these interviewees are now in prison as a result of the substance abuse or violence that characterizes PTSD.