The Death Penalty: King Hammurabi Of Babylon

In the eighteenth century, King Hammurabi of Babylon was the first to introduce the death penalty, and others were quick to follow. The death penalty later became the only punishment for all crimes in Britain. Methods for punishment included crucifixion, drowning, beatings, burning alive and impalement. Although these methods did not last long, by the Tenth Century A.D., hanging became the more common method used. When Europeans first settled in America they brought along with them capital punishment. Captain George Kendall was the first to be executed in America in the Jamestown Colony of Virginia in 1608, for being a spy for Spain. His execution then led to the Divine, Moral and Martial laws enacted by Virginia Governor, Sir Thomas Dale.

These laws spread throughout the American colonies along with a various amount of offenses that were punishable by death. Not all agreed that the death penalty was the best solution. An essay written by Cesare Beccaria, in 1767, on Crimes and Punishment gave abolitionist a voice. In his essay Beccaria stated that there was no justification for the state taking one’s life, which led to the abolition of the death penalty in Austria and Spain. Beccaria’s essay and European theorists sparked the beginning of the Abolitionist Movement around the world and influenced many intellectuals in America to stand up against the death penalty.
Today the death penalty is arguably the most controversial debate in our criminal justice system. Nineteen states have abolished the death penalty arguing that it violates human rights and human dignity. Abolitionists also believe that the death penalty process is too expensive and that it risks sentencing innocent people. Although, the 31 states that are still using the death penalty firmly believe that it is a deterrence of crime, offers retribution to families, and prevents further crimes.