The Death Penalty and Socioeconomic Equity

Abstract

The case of Larry Osborne raises a number of issues central to the death penalty debate. 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]