An interesting, original and provocative book. Davis has illuminating things to say about issues that other philosophers rarely touch, such as, whether it is appropriate for doctors to participate in executions, and what punishment the crime of rape deserves.

- Jeffery Reiman, William Fraser McDowell Professor Philosophy, American University,

Davis's book is the latest challenge to complacent thinking by those who oppose the death penalty. Whether or not one agrees with him, grappling with his arguments can only improve the level of debate on this controversial issue. His book is an example of applied philosophy at its best.

- Hugo Adams Bedau, Tufts University,

This work is important...for its careful discussions of the death penalty, preventive detention, and the method of determining appropriate legal penalties, with case studies in rape and bad samaritanism... It will surely be referred to widely, among scholars, and made use of by scholars and students.

- Nelson Potter, University of Nebraska,