Hugo Bedau

Hugo Adam Bedau (September 23, 1926 – August 13, 2012) was an American philosopher and the Austin B. Fletcher Professor of Philosophy, Emeritus, at Tufts University. He is best known for his extensive work and advocacy against capital punishment. Bedau was a leading critic of the death penalty and was often quoted in discussions on the subject. He argued that the criminal justice system should be reserved for those who are clearly dangerous, implying a more cautious approach to executions. Bedau received his undergraduate education at the University of Redlands, graduating in 1949. He furthered his studies at Boston University, earning a master's degree in 1951, and later completed his Ph.D. at Harvard University in 1961. His academic career included teaching positions at Dartmouth College, Princeton University, and Reed College before he joined Tufts University in 1966, where he taught until his retirement in 1999. Bedau was a significant figure in activism against the death penalty, being a founding member of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty and serving on its board for many years, including as chairman. He was also an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), contributing writings on the death penalty for the organization. His notable publications include 'The Death Penalty in America' (first published in 1964, with a fourth edition in 1997), 'The Courts, the Constitution, and Capital Punishment' (1977), 'Death is Different' (1987), and 'Killing as Punishment' (2004). He also co-authored 'In Spite of Innocence' (1992). His work on capital punishment is considered a seminal example of applying philosophical skills to practical issues, influencing the field of practical ethics. Beyond his work on capital punishment, Bedau also published on the theory and practice of civil disobedience. In his personal life, Bedau was married twice and had four children, including philosopher Mark Bedau. His second marriage was to medical historian Constance E. Putnam.