Persons Sentenced to Death and Their Last Statement

Persons Sentenced to Death and Their Last Statement Presence and Absence of Techniques of Neutralization

Authors	C. van Baak C.A. Maher B.E. Hayes
Publication date	11-2025
Journal	Homicide Studies
Volume \| Issue number	29 \| 4
Pages (from-to)	422-446
Organisations	Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG) - Amsterdam Institute for Social Science Research (AISSR)
Abstract	Extant research suggests that offenders use techniques of neutralization. Using qualitative analysis, we examine the presence or absence of techniques of neutralization among the population of persons sentenced to death for homicide in Texas during their last statement before execution between 1982 and 2022 (N = 578) and how such techniques overlap with other emergent themes. Results indicate that only a small portion (25%) of those convicted of homicide justify their actions when faced with execution, while often simultaneously expressing gratitude or guilt.
Document type	Article
Language	English
Published at	https://doi.org/10.1177/10887679231179889
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