Unequal Justice in Applying the United States Death Penalty

Author

• Camilla Andrade

Date of Award

2021

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Tunick, Mark

Abstract

Several studies reveal a connection between a victim’s skin color and the probability that their aggressor will receive the death penalty. Other studies conclude that a defendant’s race will be a factor in determining whether or not they are sentenced to capital punishment. Despite the evident racial discrimination that plagues capital cases, Ernest van den Haag contends that “unequal justice is still justice” and that if someone is guilty of a capital offense, they don’t deserve any less punishment simply because the death penalty is applied disproportionately based on race. I argue, against van den Haag, that unequal justice violates defendants’ rights to due process. Even if a defendant is guilty, justice demands a fair system that protects defendants from systemic injustice and treats all victims and defendants equally.

Comments

Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2021

Recommended Citation

Andrade, Camilla, "Unequal Justice in Applying the United States Death Penalty" (2021). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present. 99.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors/99

Extent

58 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00134