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Americana

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An insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

From coast to coast, an insider's guide to the stories and people shaping the USA today

Americana: 20/03/2011

20/03/2011

BBC Radio 4 - Americana, 20/03/2011

The death penalty arrived with US settlers. Americana looks at crime and punishment today.

A criminal, a bail bondsman, a governor, a survivor and a best-selling author weave and dissect the complex story of crime and punishment in America.

The Death Penalty:
America's first settlers brought the death penalty with them from Britain and ever since, crime and punishment have been continually debated and revised across the United States. Katty Kay talks to Governor Pat Quinn of Illinois who recently banned capitol punishment in the state. 

Freedom Bail Bonds:
If you get arrested and you don't have the cash to make bail, a bail bondsman can help you out, but he'll track you down if you try to skip town. David Gambale of Freedom Bail Bonding explains the business of doing business with (potential) criminals.

James Lee Burke:
And best-selling author James Lee Burke talks to Americana about the cornucopia of creative criminal stories born from the United States.

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20/03/2011

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