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Disparities in sentencing minorities
Controversy around the death penalty
Controversy around the death penalty
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Fair Punishment and the Death Penalty 94 federal attorneys have the power to submit a case to Janet Reno (Willing 3A). These attorneys seek the death penalty for these cases, and why should they not? Whys should one who has taken a life, or even several, deserve the air that they breathe? Capital punishment is a harsh punishment created for people who have committed harsh crimes. The death penalty should be used to punish violent criminals. Some believe that capital punishment is unfair. Reno says, "Sadly, the same is true of the entire criminal justice system, both state and federal" (Justice Dept sees). How can a punishment be judged as fair? Every judge will have some biases. How is giving the opportunity of life to someone who has killed another fair? If one caused many deaths, should he not deserve to die as well? For example, Jeffrey L. Dahmer murdered and dismembered at least 17 boys and men. He, also, ate the flesh of at least one of his victims (Bonner). Does this man deserve the privelages of a comfy jail cell, generous meals, and a workout facility? Dying by lethal injection is a much less horrific way to die than the way the victims did. Then, the argument is used that innocent people have been put to death. DNA testing and established standards for defense lawyers virtually eliminate that argument. George W. Bush, the governor of Texas, said he was certain that no innocent inmates died since he took office in 1995 (Sealey). Measures should be taken to ensure the guilt of death-row inmates, and they are. Yet another argument by death penalty oppossers is the fact that no uniform policy determines which cases qualify for death. This allows each case to be looked at individually, and allows... ... middle of paper ... ...d and Ford Fessender. "States with no death penalty share lower homicide rates." 22 Sept. 2000: Online. Internet. 25 Sept. 2000. Available www: http://www.nytimes.com/2000/09/22/national/22DEAT.html "Is the death penalty unjust?" 10 March 1995: Online. Internet. 25 Sept. 2000. Available www: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/.pages/frontline/angel/procon/deathissue.html "Justice Dept sees race disparity in death penalty." 13 Sept. 2000: Online. Internet. 25 Sept. 2000. Available www: http://abcnews.go.com-wire-politics-reuters20000913-1350.html Sealey, Geraldine. "Death penalty debate at crossroads."6 March 2000: Online. Internet www: http://abcnews.go.com/sections/us/DailyNews/deathpenalty1_000306.html Willing, Richard. "Death penalty policies examined: studies suggest that disparities exist between federal and state guidelines." USA Today 5 Sept. 2000, 3A