Out of Sight, Out of Mercy: Death Row Through the Eyes of Loved Ones Restricted; Files Only

Abstract

This thesis explores how the death penalty shapes the lives of those connected to individuals on death row. Through interviews with family members, friends, pen pals, and legal advocates, it argues that capital punishment extends far beyond the incarcerated person, producing ongoing emotional strain, uncertainty, and anticipatory grief. By centering these overlooked perspectives, the project challenges dominant narratives that reduce the death penalty to crime and punishment alone, instead revealing how relationships, care, and suffering persist across the prison boundary.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Loved Ones: A Broad Definition

Love Over Law

Children in the Carceral Space

Faith as a Foundation

About this Honors Thesis

Rights statement

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School	Emory College
Department	English and Creative Writing
Degree	B.A.
Submission	Honors Thesis
Language	English
Research Field	Journalism Education, Early Childhood Sociology, Criminology and Penology
Keyword	Capital Punishment Incarceration Lawyers Death Penalty Loved Ones Safety Childhood Trauma Death Row Faith Prison Family
Committee Chair / Thesis Advisor	Hank Klibanoff, Emory University
Committee Members	Nicholas Fesette, Emory University Daniel LaChance, Emory University

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