Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world's leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive and policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction to Capital Punishment provides a succinct overview of the modern American death penalty, tracing its historical roots in colonialism to contemporary applications within the juridical system. The authors analyse the mechanics of sentencing, the decisive role of jury selection, and the enduring influence of race despite formal safeguards. Key Features: Discusses foundational cases such as the Supreme Court's decisions in Furman v. Georgia and Gregg v. Georgia Engages with current issues and controversies related to the administration of the death penalty and the execution process Explains how American capital punishment was dismantled and reconstructed in the "modern era" using Eighth and Fourteenth Amendment legal doctrines Explores the crucial role of defense counsel and the complex system of appellate review Includes insights from three primary experts in the field, with both academic and capital litigation experience This Advanced Introduction provides an accessible overview of the complex field of capital punishment law, making it a valuable resource for academics, researchers and students of criminal law and justice, and law and society.