The Death Penalty

Abstract

Capital Punishment is an Unlawful and Ineffective Deterrent to Murder. The United States is one of the few countries left in the world to practice the savage and immoral punishment of death. Retentionists argue that the consequence of death prevents people from committing the crime of murder. It is proven that the death penalty does not deter persons from committing murder, nor does it serve as an example of the consequences of capital crimes to society. Furthermore, it is impossible to guarantee that the criminal justice system will not discriminate. The idea of putting another human to death is hard to completely imagine.

The physical mechanics involved in the act of execution are easy to grasp, but the emotions involved in carrying out a death sentence on another person, regardless of how much they deserve it, is beyond my own understanding. I know it must be painful, dehumanizing, and sickening. However, this act is sometimes necessary and it is our responsibility as a society to see that it is done. Many Americans will tell you why they are in favor of the death penalty. In a society that is ridden with crime with no reprieve in view it seems that we are all too eager to accept that the death penalty will help reduce the mind boggling statistics related to criminal activities.

Murder, rape, burglaries and other such deviant behavior has become so common that it is becoming difficult to have any human emotions of compassion. Juvenile crime is increasing and we, as a society are now considering punishing juveniles as adults. So the next time a juvenile commits a crime he or she may be liable for the death penalty. Such vengeance we have. Such emotions of revenge we savor. Proponents of harsh criminal sentences contend that the more fear the criminals have the less the crime. Yet, the facts do not back this statement. When we review the research we realize that the death penalty has no effect on reducing the criminal statistics of the states where...