Melusky (political science, St. Francis U.) and US Magistrate Judge Pesto chronicle the use of the death penalty throughout world history, the forms of execution used by US states, and the development of capital punishment law under the US Constitution. The primary arguments against and in favor of capital punishment are explained clearly and fairly. Appendices summarize Supreme Court decisions on capital punishment since 1878 and provide a timeline of historical events. The volume is recommended for high school, college, and public libraries. Annotation ©2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)