PUNISHING HOMICIDE IN PHILADELPHIA - PERSPECTIVES ON THE DEATH PENALTY

• NCJ Number: 34683
• Journal: University of Chicago Law Review Volume: 43 Issue: 2 Dated: (WINTER 1976) Pages: 227-252
• Author(s): F E ZIMRING; J EIGEN; S O'MALLEY
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 26 pages
• Corporate Author: University of Chicago
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

REPORT ON A STUDY TO GATHER DATA ON A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE OF HOMICIDES REPORTED TO THE PHILADELPHIA POLICE AND TO ASCERTAIN FINAL DISPOSITIONS AND REASONS FOR THEM IN DIFFERENT TYPES OF HOMICIDE.

Abstract

STUDY METHODS AND CHARACTERISTICS OF SAMPLE CASES ARE OUTLINED. THREE EMPIRICAL ISSUES OF RELEVANCE TO THE DEBATE ON THE DEATH PENALTY INCLUDING THE EXTENT AND IMPACT OF PROSECUTORIAL AND JUDICIAL DISCRETION IN DETERMINING PUNISHMENT FOR CRIMINAL HOMICIDE ARE ASSESSED. ALSO DISCUSSED ARE THE EFFECT OF THE MANDATORY MINIMUM PENALTY OF LIFE IMPRISONMENT FOR CERTAIN TYPES OF HOMICIDE ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PUNISHMENTS FOR ALL CRIMINAL HOMICIDES AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF MINIMUM SENTENCES AS A PROBLEM OF DISTRIBUTIVE JUSTICE. THE FUNCTIONS OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT IN THE CONTEXT OF HOMICIDE AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE IN PHILADELPHIA ARE CONSIDERED.