NCJ Number
144267
Date Published
1991
Length
51 pages
Annotation
This book argues for the abolition of the death penalty in South Africa.
Abstract
Arguments against capital punishment are that it is cruel, inhuman, and degrading; it does not deter violent crime; it is irreversible and innocent people may die; it is arbitrary; it is applied most often against blacks; and it violates the accused's right to life. Specifically in South Africa, given the political situation, the authors argue that the death penalty exacerbates political tension and is applied after trials that are not always fair to the suspect, who may not even speak English or Afrikaans. These suspects may lose, through misunderstanding, the opportunity to prove their innocence. The Criminal Law Amendment Act (1990) eliminates the compulsory imposition of the death sentence, eliminates the concept of extenuating circumstances, and allows the appellate court to change the sentence. The law also emphasizes life imprisonment as a feasible sanction in murder convictions. The book includes facts and figures on capital punishment in South Africa and various other countries, a section of questions and answers, and international standards and resolutions on the death penalty.