The Death Penalty and Socioeconomic Equity

Abstract

The case of Larry Osborne raises a number of issues central to the death penaltydebate. One of the most glaring issues raised by this case is that of equity in the application of the death penalty. Is a defendant who receives appointed counsel, and must rely on the state for funding, at a great disadvantage compared to a defendant who has the financial resources to provide his own defense? How does the issue of socioeconomic equity vary from state to state? Specifically, how does a rather wealthy and liberal state, New York, differ from a more conservative state with fewer resources, Kentucky? [From Introduction]