Statistics on death sentences imposed from the early 1970s to 1985 show a relatively high rate of reversal, reflecting the unique complexity of capital trials. The appeal process, however, cannot always resolve errors resulting from inadequate defense counsel and underlying inconsistencies in the system. A discussion of methods used by the Florida and Georgia Supreme Courts to review all capital cases demonstrates how disparities and arbitrariness remain unchecked. It also notes that appellate review does not remedy racial disparities in sentencing. An analysis of the length of appeals in capital cases refutes the claim that such appeals are unnecessarily prolonged or frivolous. Attempts by Federal courts to speed up capital appeals are described. Four cases -- Charles Brooks, James Autry, Alpha Otis Stephens, and Roosevelt Green -- illustrate how procedures for handling final appeals contravene basic standards of fairness. Footnotes.