Capital Punishment: Right or Wrong?

1843 Words4 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: religious capital punishment essay

Capital Punishment: Right or Wrong?

All punishment is based on the same simple truth: there must be a

penalty for wrongdoing. In order for there to be punishment, there must

be both a wrongdoer and an authority to inflict the penalty. In a family,

when you break a rule, the punishment is handed out by the parents. In

society, punishment for crime is carried out by a criminal justice system

(police, courts, and prisons). In both systems, one solid rule of thumb

can be derived: if you do something wrong, you will pay for it

(Kronenwetter xi).

Our topic, capital punishment, otherwise known as death, is

considered to be the most severe penalty society can inflict. By doing so,

it deprives the criminal of his or her futures, hopes and dreams, while at

the same time taking all that is precious away. Because the death penalty

is ultimate and final, it brings about much controversy. Some agree that

it is immoral, brutal, gruesome and primitive for a ruling body to use

death as a punishment for deviance in any degree; no matter how harsh

the crime. These people are known as abolitionists. On the other hand,

the supporters of the death penalty say that it is only justice that the

death penalty be carried out for capital crimes, such as murder, rape, and

so on (Stewart 6-7).

Putting all theology aside, these views can be explained, to the

point of what fuels them. This can be accomplished by looking into the

hard-core issues that revolve around this seemingly never ending debate,

giving examples of real life cases, and analyzing scientific numbers. Each

and all of these steps can answer the following questions: (1) Is there

inequality in the courtroom?, (2) Does the death penalty deter crime?,

...

... middle of paper ...

...lty. Philadelphia. Temple University Press, 1987.

4. Siegel, Mark A., et al. eds. Capital Punishment: Cruel and Unusual?

Wylie, Texas: Informaiton Plus, 1996.

5. Stewart, Gail B. The Death Penalty. San Fransisco: Miner Press, 1998.

6. Wekesser, Carol, et al. eds. The Opposing Viewpoints Series: The

Death Penalty. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1991.

7. Amnesty International. “When the State Kills... The Death Penalty vs.

Human Rights.” London: Amnesty, 1989.

8. “State Death Penalty Informaiton.” Death Penalty Information. Home

page. ACLU. 26 Oct. 2000. pp. 6 & 8

http://www.deathpenalty.org/states.html.

9. United States. Department of Justice. Buerau of Criminal Justice

Statistics. Sourcebook of Criminal Justice Statistics 1994.

Kathleen Maguire and Ann L. Pastore, eds. Washington: GPO.

1995.

Show More
Related

  • The Pros And Cons Of Capital Punishment

    1008 Words  | 3 Pages

    There are over sixty offenses in the United States of America that can be punishable by receiving the death penalty (What is..., 1). However, many individuals believe that the death penalty is an inadequate source of punishment for any crime no matter how severe it is. The fact remains, however, that the death penalty is one of the most ideal forms of punishment. There are other individuals who agree with the idea that capital punishment is the best form of punishment. In fact, some of these individuals believe that this should be the only form of punishment.

    Read More

  • The Merits and Pitfalls of Capital Punishment Today

    1466 Words  | 3 Pages

    Capital punishment is an age-old practice. It has been used in civilizations for millennia, and will continue to be used for millennia to come. Whether used for the right or wrong reasons, capital punishment is unmistakable in its various forms. From hangings, to firing squads, to lethal injections, capital punishment and the associated proceeding have evolved over time. There have been many arguments against capital punishment, many of which still hold true. As capital punishment has evolved over time, however, many of the most valid arguments have been proven all but null. Capital punishment still has its ethical and moral concerns, but as it has evolved over time these concerns have not necessarily become less valid, but fewer in number when specifically addressing capital punishment. The proceedings that come hand-in-hand with capital punishment, however, have become increasingly more rigorous and controversial and are the main focus of most capital punishment concerns.

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment: Does Death Equal Justice?

    1674 Words  | 4 Pages

    Capital punishment causes the death of someone because that person killed someone else, yet only murderers suffer such a fate. Rapists do not endure rape, thieves do not have their possessions robbed, and those convicted of assault do not undergo a similar assault.

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment, Is It Ethical?

    700 Words  | 2 Pages

    For certain violent crimes committed within our society, particularly murder, it is clear that they should carry a stiffer punishment or sentence than that of other typically lesser crimes such as robbery. What society cannot seem to agree upon is what that punishment should be. Of all the options available, the one form of legal punishment that continues to be a matter of controversy is that of capital punishment or as it is commonly referred to, the death penalty. No other form of legal punishment in the United States raises more moral or ethical questions than the subject of capital punishment. Both sides of the argument over the death penalty are very polarized in their stance on the issue with little or no middle ground found in the ongoing debate.

    Read More

  • Argumentative Essay On Capital Punishment

    1695 Words  | 4 Pages

    Capital Punishment has been a controversial issue in society for centuries. It stands as a significant topic in our community due to its ambiguity in creating and maintaining a less vulnerable society. Skeptics of Capital Punishment are against it in the case of supposedly moral grounds such as wrongfully accusing the subject of the crime as well as the suggestion that human life should be a right for everyone and no one should have the capability to deprive anyone of it. Others argue that it is a highly justifiable method of punishment in serious criminal cases and that society would become a more guarded place if it were more prominently enforced. As a result of the controversy revolving around Capital Punishment, it has been abolished in many countries but remains intact in some. In regards to the positive effects of Capital Punishment, it should be the preferred method of penalizing murderers compared to a lifetime jail sentence, as it protects society, is the most justifiable manner of punishment and warns potential murderers.

    Read More

  • The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?

    1942 Words  | 4 Pages

    This essay will discuss the various views regarding the death penalty and its current status in the United States. It can be said that almost all of us are familiar with the saying “An eye for an eye” and for most people that is how the death penalty is viewed. In most people’s eyes, if a person is convicted without a doubt of murdering someone, it is believed that he/she should pay for that crime with their own life. However, there are some people who believe that enforcing the death penalty makes society look just as guilty as the convicted. Still, the death penalty diminishes the possibility of a convicted murderer to achieve the freedom needed to commit a crime again; it can also be seen as a violation of the convicted person’s rights going against the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

    Read More

  • The Death Penalty

    853 Words  | 2 Pages

    The death penalty continues to be an issue of controversy and is an issue that will be debated in the United States for many years to come. According to Hugo A. Bedau, the writer of “The Death Penalty in America”, capital punishment is the lawful infliction of the death penalty. The death penalty has been used since ancient times for a variety of offenses. The Bible says that death should be done to anyone who commits murder, larceny, rapes, and burglary. It appears that public debate on the death penalty has changed over the years and is still changing, but there are still some out there who are for the death penalty and will continue to believe that it’s a good punishment. I always hear a lot of people say “an eye for an eye.” Most people feel strongly that if a criminal took the life of another, their’s should be taken away as well, and I don’t see how the death penalty could deter anyone from committing crimes if your going to do the crime then at that moment your not thinking about being on death role. I don’t think they should be put to death they should just sit in a cell for the rest of their life and think about how they destroy other families. A change in views and attitudes about the death penalty are likely attributed to results from social science research. The changes suggest a gradual movement toward the eventual abolition of capital punishment in America (Radelet and Borg, 2000).

    Read More

  • The Death Penalty Debate

    1625 Words  | 4 Pages

    In the United States, the use of the death penalty continues to be a controversial issue. Every election year, politicians, wishing to appeal to the moral sentiments of voters, routinely compete with each other as to who will be toughest in extending the death penalty to those persons who have been convicted of first-degree murder. Both proponents and opponents of capital punishment present compelling arguments to support their claims. Often their arguments are made on different interpretations of what is moral in a just society. In this essay, I intend to present major arguments of those who support the death penalty and those who are opposed to state sanctioned executions application . However, I do intend to fairly and accurately represent both sides of the argument. Proponents of capital punishment persuasively argue that a “central principle of a just society is that every person has an equal right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” (Cauthen, p 1). Within this principle, the deliberate (premeditated) murder of an individual is viewed as a heinous act, which prevents the person from realizing his or her right to pursue happiness. They strongly feel that persons convicted of first-degree murder must, themselves, pay the ultimate price. They claim that the death penalty must be imposed in order to maintain the moral standards of the community. Proponents of capital punishment are people who oppose the death penalty are fearful that innocent people may be wrongfully executed. They insist, however, that numerous “safeguards” are built into the criminal justice system which insures the protection of those facing capital punishment. Among the safeguards are: 1. Capital punishment may be imposed only for a crime for which the death penalty is prescribe by law at the time of its commission. 2. Persons below eighteen years of age, pregnant women, new mothers or persons who have become insane shall not be sentenced to death. 3. Capital punishment may be imposed only when guilt is determined by clear and convincing evidence leaving no room for an alternative explanation of the facts. 4. Capital punishment may be carried out only after a final judgment rendered by a competent court allowing all possible safeguards to the defendant, including adequate legal assistance. 5. Anyone sentenced to death shall receive the right to appeal to a court of higher j...

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment - Cruel and Inhumane?

    1645 Words  | 4 Pages

    though, the law is not as strict. This leads potential criminals not to fear the

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment

    1889 Words  | 4 Pages

    Capital punishment is the most severe sentence imposed in the United States and is legal in thirty-eight states. The death penalty is a controversial subject, especially because the U.S. is the only western democracy to retain this consequence (Scheb, 518). I personally believe that the death penalty is a valid sentence for those who deserve it. Some believe it is not constitutional, but those who face this penalty are clearly suspect of a savage offense and therefore should be at a loss of certain rights. The arguments don’t end there once one considers that “the controversy over capital punishment becomes more heated when special circumstances arise” (Sternberg, 2). This issue brings up more arguments against the death penalty because of the constitutionally protected ban on cruel and unusual punishment which is protected by the Eighth Amendment. There have been nearly 15,000 executions that have taken place in America, the first in 1608 with the death of Captain George Kendall (Siegel, 410). Most of these were sentenced to death because of their own action of killing others. However, more and more crimes are now able to be punishable by death. This is the result of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, which “dramatically increased the number of federal crimes eligible for this sentence” (Scheb, 520). Even so, the federal government has yet to put someone on death row for a non-homicidal case. The arguments for and against capital punishment are lengthy and strictly opinionated, but are also important to see the evolution of our society as the majority view changes and new influences come about.

    Read More

  • Opposing viewpoints

    639 Words  | 2 Pages

    The death penalty remains a very controversial and highly criticized topic. Both sides argue vehemently from many different angles about the constitutionality, morality, and justice of the death penalty; but, both sides know that there must be some form of punishment for the violent criminals who commit murder. The conflict arises with the question, “what punishment is fair for a convicted murderer?”

    Read More

  • The Death Denalty, An Annotated Bibliography To The Death Penalty

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    When someone is legally convicted of a capital crime, it is possible for their punishment to be execution. The Death Penalty has been a controversial topic for many years. Some believe the act of punishing a criminal by execution is completely inhumane, while others believe it is a necessary practice needed to keep our society safe. In this annotated bibliography, there are six articles that each argue on whether or not the death penalty should be illegalized. Some authors argue that the death penalty should be illegal because it does not act as a deterrent, and it negatively effects the victim’s families. Other scholar’s state that the death penalty should stay legalized because there is an overcrowding in prisons and it saves innocent’s lives. Whether or not the death penalty should be

    Read More

  • The Effectiveness of The Death Penalty

    1335 Words  | 3 Pages

    The death penalty has been an ongoing debate for many years. Each side of the issue presents valid arguments to explain why someone should be either for or against the subject. One side of the argument says deterrence, the other side says there’s a likelihood of putting to death an innocent man; one says justice, retribution, and punishment; the other side says execution is murder itself. Crime is an unmistakable part of our society, and it is safe to say that everyone would concur that something must be done about it. The majority of people know the risk of crime to their lives, but the subject lies in the techniques and actions in which it should be dealt with. As the past tells us, capital punishment, whose meaning is “the use of death as a legally sanctioned punishment,” is a suitable and proficient means of deterring crime. Today, the death penalty resides as an effective method of punishment for murder and other atrocious crimes.

    Read More

  • Death Penalty Position Paper

    924 Words  | 2 Pages

    “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” is how the saying goes. Coined by the infamous Hammurabi’s Code around 1700 BC, this ancient expression has become the basis of a great political debate over the past several decades – the death penalty. While the conflict can be whittled down to a matter of morals, a more pragmatic approach shows defendable points that are far more evidence backed. Supporters of the death penalty advocate that it deters crime, provides closure, and is a just punishment for those who choose to take a human life. Those against the death penalty argue that execution is a betrayal of basic human rights, an ineffective crime deterrent, an economically wasteful option, and an outdated method. The debate has experienced varying levels of attention over the years, but has always kept in the eye of the public. While many still advocate for the continued use of capital punishment, the process is not the most cost effective, efficient, consistent, or up-to-date means of punishment that America could be using today.

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment: Is It Right or Wrong?

    2333 Words  | 5 Pages

    Capital Punishment is a controversial topic discussed in today's society. Capital punishment is often not as harsh in other countries as we may call harsh in our country. There is a heated debate on whether states should be able to kill other humans or not. But if we shall consider that other countries often have more deadly death penalties than we do. People that are in favor of the death penalty say that it saves money by not paying for housing in a maximum prison but what about our smaller countries that abide by the rule of the capital punishment. If one were to look at the issues behind capital punishment in an anthropological prospective than one would see that in some cases no one would assume that capital punishment here in the U.S. is bad. Now those opposed say that it is against the constitution, and is cruel and unusual punishment for humans to be put to his or her death. I believe that the death penalty is against the constitution and is cruel and unusual punishment. The death penalty is cruel because you cannot punish anyone worse than by killing them. It is an unusual punishment because it does not happen very often and it should not happen at all. Therefore, I think that capital punishment should be abolished, everywhere.

    Read More

More about Capital Punishment: Right or Wrong?

Open Document