The Problem of Capital Punishment Essay - 3342 Words

The Problem of Capital Punishment The issue of capital punishment is a divisive topic that encompasses many moral and empirical aspects of human justice. Ultimately, the key issue regarding the death penalty is as follows: is the death penalty an appropriate form of punishment for the United States of America’s judicial system to impose? This key issue incorporates the empirical and moral claims of the opponents both for and against capital punishment in America. The main empirical issues center on whether or not the death penalty is imposed with bias, whether it serves as deterrence for future crimes, and whether it is an economically beneficial option for the country. Moral concerns include the idea of justice as being â€Å"an eye†¦show more content†¦In the early twentieth century, during the Progressive Movement, there was a general advance towards abolishment. During the 1920’s and 1930’s, social scientists felt that capital punishment was needed to move toward a moral societ y, and as a result, executions rose during these times. In the 1950’s and 1960’s, with the decline of support for the death penalty came a decrease in executions. This was due mainly in part to the public’s questioning of the validity and fairness of the death penalty. Consequently, in the 1972 Supreme Court case, Furman v. Georgia, the Supreme Court decided—with a 5-4 vote and 9 separate opinions—that the death penalty was capriciously and arbitrarily handed down. Historically, the entire nation’s view on the death penalty has been disjointed, with the federal government allowing state governments to make laws. For a real decision to be made, the federal government has to be more involved, and make a clear concise decision on the matter. Recently, more issues have emerged in regards to the death penalty, such as cost; other issues like deterrence and prejudice have been around for the entirety of our nation’s existence (http:// www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/). There have been disagreements on whether or not the death penalty is objective. Death penalty supporters may indicate that, as of February 17, 2004, 57.2% of executed were white, and theShow MoreRelatedThe Problem With Capital Punishment857 Words   |  4 PagesThe Problem With Capital Punishment The Bible implies that â€Å"for the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you† (â€Å" Holy Bible, New International Version†). Capital punishment is an unlawful practice of the United States. It allows the government to legally execute a person for committing serious crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping. The Death Penalty Information Center reports that â€Å" The practice of capital punishment was firstRead MoreThe Truth About The Death Penalty973 Words   |  4 PagesKolodny believes that capital punishment has too many complications and variables that cause it be more of an issue than a real solution for capital offenses. She proposes that the death penalty should be dropped and exchanged for better programs such as Proposition 34, which replaces capital punishment for a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Kolodny’s factual claims and abundance of supportive ev idence regarding the problems with capital punishment successfully persuadeRead More Capital Punishment Essay611 Words   |  3 Pagesand chose a 30-year sentence instead because capital punishment was not enforced in the state. Broken up from the death of his 2 children, Mr. Smith said, â€Å"Me and my family are disappointed that the death penalty was not the verdict.† I am going to convince you that capital punishment has to be enforced in all states. I will tell you about the problem, the solution to the problem, and what it would be like if my solution is implemented. The problem is that the current criminals that commit theseRead MoreComparing Two Arguments on Capital Punishment Essay890 Words   |  4 PagesComparing Two Arguments on Capital Punishment In these two short essays, one by Anthony G. Amsterdam and another by Ernest Van Den Haag both authors make two very important views. Although one supports capital punishment and one is against capital punishment, both authors have good reasons to support their case. Amsterdam believes that capital punishment is a brutal process that a murderer has to go through. Amsterdam believes that the murderer should be punished for their actions, butRead MoreCapital Punishment : Imposition Of A Penalty Of Death By The State Essay1271 Words   |  6 PagesCapital punishment: Imposition of a penalty of death by the state. Capital punishment has been widely practiced ever since ancient times, as far back as 1500 B.C. From the fall of Rome to the beginning of modern times, capital punishment has been practiced all over the world. However, the problem in the justice system is that the death penalty can be wrongfully applied. This is rare but it does happen, the falsely incriminated is sentenced and executed. It is important that the government stillRead MoreCapital punishments should not be banned; people believe capital punishment is unconstitutional,900 Words   |  4 PagesCapital punishments should not be banned; people believe capital punishment is unconstitutional, that the person on death row actually committed a crime that put them there. There are complaints about the money put out for capital punishment and some think that the death penalty sends the wrong message or that our government is broken. Even though people believe capital punishment should be banned, it should not be banned due to multiple reasons. In the United States, capital punishment (also knownRead MorePersuasive Essay On Capital Punishment921 Words   |  4 PagesCapital punishment is a controversial debate in the United States. Many Americans believe that the death penalty is immoral because of its ethical complications. Still others believe that capital punishment is a cheaper and quicker way for justice to be served. When the government houses inmates, vast amounts of money are spent on food, medication, and clothing for inmates to survive in prison. Yet, the majority of America still allows for the practice of capital punishment in several manners suchRead MoreThe Controversy Over the Death Penalty Essay907 Words   |  4 PagesThe Controversy Over the Death Penalty Why is the death penalty used as a means of punishment for crime? Is this just a way to solve the nations growing problem of overcrowded prisons, or is justice really being served? Why do some view the taking of a life morally correct? These questions are discussed and debated upon in every state and national legislature throughout the country. Advantages and disadvantages for the death penalty exist, and many members of the United States, and individualRead MoreIs the he lawful infliction of death as a punishment the death penalty. Capital punishment1000 Words   |  4 PagesIs the he lawful infliction of death as a punishment; the death penalty. Capital punishment continues to be used in several countries despite controversy over its merits and over its effectiveness as a deterrent to serious crime. A sentence of death may be carried out by one of many means, through electrocution, hanging, lethal injection, gas chamber, and firing squad. The debate as to whether capital p unishment is right or not is an emotive one. Some people say it is necessary in some circumstancesRead MoreCapital Punishment Should Be Mandatory943 Words   |  4 Pagesrights when they kill other people, so capital punishment is a fair punishment for those people who definitely deserve it. In fact, capital punishment is one of the most arguable issues in our societies. However, it is a legally process of executing a person convicted of a capital crime. Capital punishment can be institutionalized by the state and implemented by final judgment of a court. It’s very important to fight premeditated murder. In addition, capital punishment should be mandatory for people who