Capital Punishment Essay - The Death Penalty in Canada and the USA

The Death Penalty in Canada and the USA

The death penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, has been

abolished in Canada since 1976, but still exist in a few American States. The

last execution in Canada took place in 1962.

I disagree with the death penalty for several reasons. My first reason is

that I find it extremely inhumane to take someone's life in order to demonstrate

the power of the law. Another reason for my disapproval of the death penalty, is

the amount of money that it takes to put someone to death, as it would cost the

same to keep an inmate in jail for life, as it would to put that same inmate to

death. My third and final reason, is the guilty conscience that is placed on

everyone involved: the jury who convicted the accused to death; the witnesses to

the execution; and the jail warden who must give out the execution; and the

person who pulls the switch or induces the poison.

Early societies were based on a simple code of law: "an eye for an eye

and a tooth for a tooth". Today, now that our society has become more advanced,

we do not function by this ancient code of punishment. For example, we do not

rape the rapist's daughter; we do not kidnap the kidnapper's children; but if

the death penalty were permitted, we would " kill the killer". So why, as

educated citizens, would we want to lower ourselves to this level? Do we feel

that we need to show the power of the police force by killing the killers? The

death penalty is extremely barbaric and is often botched in order to let the

accused suffer for several minutes. Society by now must realize that two wrongs

certainly do not make a right. You do not show society anything, by killing the

killers, except your ignorance for human life and well being.

Some thought has been that if you do "kill the killer", it will deter

others from committing such a terrible crime. However, murder rates in Canada

have remained the same and there is no significant difference when comparisons

are made of those States who still have the death penalty. A widely publicized

execution might reduce homicides, but only for a brief period. Therefore, I do

not feel that Canada should permit such a deplorable undertaking of a human life.

I know they must be punished, but there is a better way.

Prior to putting someone to death, the accused's lawyer will attempt