Introduction The death penalty remains to be one of the most controversial things in criminal justice, creating intense debates across legal, ethical, and social platforms. While some view it as a necessary tool for justice, others show concern whether it's ethical or if it's even effective. I'm going to explore both sides of this debate, looking at arguments for and against the death penalty. The Case for the Death Penalty Many supporters of the death penalty argue that the death penalty is a powerful tool used to prevent serious crimes. Supporters say that the fear of the ultimate punishment can prevent others from committing serious crimes. Supporters also view the death penalty as a sense of closure for the victims' families, “an eye for …show more content…
Walter McMillian was a black man, who was wrongly convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of a white woman in Alabama in 1886. His trial, which only lasted a day and a half, was damaged by testimonies against him that later were found to be false. He was found innocent after a new investigation and became one of the first people to be exonerated. Walter McMillian later was quoted saying “Justice is forever shattered when we kill an innocent man” (Walter McMillian was sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit., n.d.). This case shows the major ethical concern for capital punishment, mainly the irreversible damage it can cause to those who have been wrongfully …show more content…
These include the ethical argument of supporting state-sanctioned killings, the psychological impact on the people involved in the process of the execution, and how the death penalty can be in violation of someone's human rights. right. Then the sand is sanded. According to Claire and Manuel “The case against capital punishment is often made on the basis that society has a moral obligation to protect human life, not take it” (Velasquez, n.d.). The death penalty also does not prove to be any more effective than life imprisonment, and the long legal process that goes along with capital punishment usually puts a financial burden on the justice
In recent years, the practice of capital punishment has come under scrutiny. Some say that no longer holds the same impact as it once had. An article discussing the concept of the death penalty “Bungled executions, Backlogged courts, And three more reasons the modern death penalty is A Failed Experiment” by David Von Drehle is summarized and the thoughts, ideas, and principles therein are subject to response.
Andre, Claire, and Manuel Velasquez. “Capital Punishment.” Our Duty or Our Doom. 12 May 2010. 30 May 2010 .
This paper will examine the pros and cons of the death penalty. Is it a deterrent or is that a myth. Does it give the family of the victim peace or does it cause them to suffer waiting for appeal after appeal. What are the forms of execution and any evidence of them being cruel and usual punishment. Is the death penalty fair if there are glaring, disparities in sentencing depending on geographic location and the color of the offender and victim’s skin?
Proponents of capital punishment believe that killing criminals is a moral and ethical way of punishing them. They feel there is justification in taking the life of a certain criminal, when in fact that justification is nothing more than revenge. They also feel that the death penalty deters crime, although there have been no conclusive studies confirming that viewpoint (Bedau).
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?”
Capital punishment is a topic constantly debated because of moral principles and effects on society. Many would argue that the possibility of death prevents crime. Others would argue that execution is unjust. Flamehorse’s article, "5 Arguments For and Against the Death Penalty,” provides common reasons held by society with a short analysis. Other articles such as“4 Out Of 5 Texas Dentists Advocate The Death Penalty,” produced by TheOnion, promotes capital punishment through a satirical metaphor. The reasons may be factual or morally based because society operates on these principles. Once the reasons are evaluated, it may be possible to develop a stance throughout the paper. This will contribute to various hypothetical examples and the course of action to handle said example. However, individual interpretation is subjective meaning that everyone has a different idea in mind.
One of the most repetitive and controversial topics discussed in the criminal justice system, is the death penalty. Capital punishment has been a part of our nation’s history since the creation of our constitution. In fact, as of January 1st, 2016, 2,943 inmates were awaiting their fate on death row (Death Penalty Information Center). Throughout my life, I have always been a strong advocate for the death penalty. During the majority of my undergraduate degree, I was a fierce supporter of capital punishment when discussing the topic in classes. However, throughout many criminal justice courses, I found myself in the minority, regarding the abolishment of the death penalty. While debating this topic, I would always find myself sympathetic to the victims and their families, as one should be, wanting those who were responsible for heinous crimes to
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
“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.
Since ancient times, nations all around the world have been imposing the death penalty for a wide variety of crimes such as rape, adultery, incest, murder, espionage, treason, military desertion, corruption, human trafficking, and even drug trafficking. Execution has been becoming less and less popular each year, but it is still a very controversial subject in today’s society. Some say that execution is unconstitutional, inhumane, or otherwise unfair. Death is feared widely above all other punishment. Capital punishment is not only the strongest deterrent, but it is also the most cost efficient solution to severe crimes, as well as the most effective in actually proving guilt, and bringing fair justice to the victims of these most heinous crimes.
“If Capital Punishment is state sponsored murder, then any lesser punishment is a state sponsored murder of Justice…. It is Justice, not Laws that cures the society. And Capital Punishment is the only Justice that suits a murderer.”-Saqib Ali. Undeniably, the Death Penalty is among the most controversial issues of modern times. There are always going to be two standpoints on the issues. Some will hold life above justice, and on the other hand some will hold justice over life. There is and always will be much speculation and debate regarding the death penalty in the United States and worldwide. The death penalty is a necessary part of society if we are to deter heinous crimes such as murder, torture, etc. Opponents of this would challenge its morality, constituationality, and its ability to deter criminals from committing heinous acts. Many Scholars, Supreme Court justices, Presidents, and Governors have expressed support for the death penalty as well as a general consensus by society that it is acceptable.
Ethics and morality are the founding reasons for both supporting and opposing the death penalty, leading to the highly contentious nature of the debate. When heinous crimes are com...
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.
Most supporters of the death penalty feel that offenders should be punished for their crimes, and that it does not matter whether it will deter the crime rate. Supporters of the death penalty are in favour of making examples out of offenders, and that the threat of death will be enough to deter the crime rate, but the crime rate is irrelevant.
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment is a legal procedure in which a state executes a person for crimes he/she has committed. This punishment has been implemented by many states, and is normally used for atrocious crimes, especially murder. It is also used on crimes against the state such as treason, crimes against humanity, espionage, and violent crimes while other states use it as part of military justice. There are mixed reactions on capital punishment depending on one’s faith, and the state they come from. In my view, I am not in favor of death penalty, as I strongly believe that, death penalty is unacceptable and an inhumane practice for it denies one the right to live. Death penalty does not deter crime, it is an act of retribution, its costly than life in prison, and, worst of all, risks executions of innocent people.