Capital Punishment: Loosely Based Assumption

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Capital Punishment loosely based assumption

Capital punishment, also referred to as the death penalty, is the judicially ordered execution of a prisoner as a punishment for a serious crime, such as murder. Currently, in the United States, capital punishment is legal; however, it continues to create controversial disputes throughout the country. The first dispute revolves around the misconception that capital punishment attempts to teach society not to kill by killing. The second argument is whether society has an obligation to enforce capital punishment; thirdly, whether the death penalty is a means of vengeance or a means of justice; lastly, one of the most controversial discussions, is whether capital punishment is considered a form of cruel and unusual punishment. Although the death penalty has its faults, I believe it to be an appropriate form of punishment suited for the heinous crime committed. Furthermore, capital punishment is the only certain sentence that guarantees the safety of future potential victims; no other punishment can assure the same outcome.

Opponents of capital punishment not only argue against the death penalty, but often ridicule the government for its continuation. One strategy is by referencing Victor Hugo, who once stated: “What says the law? You will not kill. How does it say it? By killing!” Although the statement is memorable and appealing, it is also misleading and deceptive. Capital punishment does not demonstrate the wrongfulness of killing by killing; it demonstrates the wrongfulness of killing by executing convicted murderers after a fair trial. The death penalty is enforced to illustrate that murder is intolerable: if one takes the life of an innocent human, then one will suffer th...

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...dges then conclude if the suspect is guilty and decide whether the criminal will receive the death penalty; the family does not. Therefore, the family is not seeking vengeance, merely seeking justice. In conclusion, is evident that capital punishment is a form of righteousness, not a form of vengeance. The family allowed the law to find retribution, they did not seek revenge. In summation, it is a misconception that families are able to seek vengeance through the death penalty for it is not a form of cruel and unusual punishment.

The Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment is not a form of cruel and unusual punishment in 1976.

Works Cited

Perlmutter, Martin. "Desert and Capital Punishment." Morality and Moral Controversies: Readings in Moral, Social, and Political Philosophy. Ed. John Arthur and Steven Scalet. 8th ed. NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2009. 139-4

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