Advisor(s)

Rebecca Bach

Committee Member(s)

Christopher Minnix
Margaret Jessee

Document Type

Thesis

Date of Award

6-1-2026

Degree Name

Master of Arts in English (MAE)

School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department

Arts & Humanities

Abstract

In the United States justice system, the use of the death penalty has been the subject of major disputes. Some argue that the death penalty is a form of justice, while others believe it is the opposite of what justice should be. Those that disagree with the death penalty are more aligned with the concept of “true justice,” meaning that marginalized groups such as Black and/or poor people should be treated justly despite the systemic racism and classism present in the justice system. Because the death penalty disproportionately affects these marginalized groups, it is impossible for true justice to be served through the death penalty. This thesis will examine the differing perspectives on the meaning of justice within both fiction and nonfiction literature. Michael Malone’s novel, Time’s Witness, explores the opinions of fictional characters on justice through the setting of a Black character held on death row. Autobiographies from attorney Bryan Stevenson and acquitted activist Anthony Ray Hinton inspect the viewpoints of those who work inside of the justice system and those who are incarcerated or on death row. Through analyzing both fiction and nonfiction, I show that these genres can ultimately aid in the quest of changing perspectives and pursuing true justice for all people.

Keywords

class;death penalty;justice;mercy;punishment;systemic racism

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