Capital Punishment is Unethical

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Capital punishment is the legal and authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. The person can be sentenced to die by lethal injection, electrocution, gas chamber, a firing squad or hanging. Since 1976 over 1300 executions have taken place. Recently states have started abolishing the death penalty in favor of life in prison sentences. The death penalty is currently used in 32 states in the United States Capital punishment is a complicated moral decision that deserves research and discussion. First, we will examine the arguments in favor of capital punishment. Second, the ethical arguments against capital punishment. Third, the application of capital sentences. Lastly, we will discuss the moral and logical dilemma of capital punishment. Capital punishment is unethical and should be banned.
It is important to understand the process of a capital sentence In order to be able to understand and discuss the morality of capital punishment. Only certain crimes are punishable by death. These crimes vary by state but nearly all states include some variation of aggravated first-degree murder. Capital cases take more time and cost more money to prosecute than similar cases with the penalty of life in prison. After the appeal process has been exhausted an execution date is set. Beginning 30 days prior to the execution the prisoner is evaluated and monitored. The day before, the prisoner is moved to a "death-watch" cell and is allowed to see visitors and spiritual advisors. The evening before the prison is given his last supper before being allowed television, radio and soda. Thirty minutes before the execution, the prison is given a change of clothes before being escorted to the execution chamber. After the warden has issued ...

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...ital punishment is unethical and should be banned. Life in prison is an effective alternative that should be used in place of a death sentence.

Works Cited

Bedau, Hugo. "Capital Punishment." Matters of Life and Death. 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993. 174-205. Print.
"The Death Penalty: Questions and Answers." American Civil Liberties Union. N.p., 09 Apr. 2007. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.
Evans, Brian. "10 Reasons to Abolish the Death Penalty." Amnesty International. N.p., 28 Sept. 2010. Web. 2 Nov. 2013.
Hastings, Deborah. "To Execute or Not: A Question of Cost?" USATODAY. The Associated Press, 08 Mar. 2009. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.
"The Innocent and the Death Penalty." The Innocence Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2013.
Pappas, Stephanie. "Company Ceases Manufacture of Death Penalty Drug." LiveScience.com. Tech Media Network, 21 Jan. 2011. Web. 02 Nov. 2013.

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