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The Death Penalty Can Ensure ‘Justice Is Being Done’

A top Justice Department official says for many Americans the death penalty is a difficult issue on moral, religious and policy grounds. But as a legal issue, it is straightforward.

essay on is the death penalty effective

By Jeffrey A. Rosen

Mr. Rosen is the deputy attorney general.

This month, for the first time in 17 years , the United States resumed carrying out death sentences for federal crimes.

On July 14, Daniel Lewis Lee was executed for the 1996 murder of a family, including an 8-year-old girl, by suffocating and drowning them in the Illinois Bayou after robbing them to fund a white-supremacist organization. On July 16, Wesley Purkey was executed for the 1998 murder of a teenage girl, whom he kidnapped, raped, killed, dismembered and discarded in a septic pond. The next day, Dustin Honken was executed for five murders committed in 1993, including the execution-style shooting of two young girls, their mother, and two prospective witnesses against him in a federal prosecution for methamphetamine trafficking.

The death penalty is a difficult issue for many Americans on moral, religious and policy grounds. But as a legal issue, it is straightforward. The United States Constitution expressly contemplates “capital” crimes, and Congress has authorized the death penalty for serious federal offenses since President George Washington signed the Crimes Act of 1790. The American people have repeatedly ratified that decision, including through the Federal Death Penalty Act of 1994 signed by President Bill Clinton, the federal execution of Timothy McVeigh under President George W. Bush and the decision by President Barack Obama’s Justice Department to seek the death penalty against the Boston Marathon bomber and Dylann Roof .

The recent executions reflect that consensus, as the Justice Department has an obligation to carry out the law. The decision to seek the death penalty against Mr. Lee was made by Attorney General Janet Reno (who said she personally opposed the death penalty but was bound by the law) and reaffirmed by Deputy Attorney General Eric Holder.

Mr. Purkey was prosecuted during the George W. Bush administration, and his conviction and sentence were vigorously defended throughout the Obama administration. The judge who imposed the death sentence on Mr. Honken, Mark Bennett, said that while he generally opposed the death penalty, he would not lose any sleep over Mr. Honken’s execution.

In a New York Times Op-Ed essay published on July 17 , two of Mr. Lee’s lawyers criticized the execution of their client, which they contend was carried out in a “shameful rush.” That objection overlooks that Mr. Lee was sentenced more than 20 years ago, and his appeals and other permissible challenges failed, up to and including the day of his execution.

Mr. Lee’s lawyers seem to endorse a system of endless delays that prevent a death sentence from ever becoming real. But his execution date was announced almost a year ago, and was initially set for last December. It was delayed when his lawyers obtained six more months of review by unsuccessfully challenging the procedures used to carry out his lethal injection.

After an appellate court rejected their claim as “without merit,” the Justice Department rescheduled Mr. Lee’s execution, providing an additional four weeks of notice. Yet on the day of the rescheduled execution, after family members of his victims had traveled to Terre Haute, Ind., to witness the execution, a District Court granted Mr. Lee’s request for further review. That court entered a last-minute reprieve that the Supreme Court has said should be an “extreme exception.”

Given the long delay that had already occurred, the Justice Department asked the Supreme Court to lift the order so the execution could proceed. Mr. Lee’s lawyers opposed that request, insisting that overturning the order would result in their client’s imminent execution. After reviewing the matter, the court granted the government’s request , rebuked the District Court for creating an unjustified last-minute barrier, and directed that the execution could proceed.

In the final minutes before the execution was to occur, Mr. Lee’s lawyers claimed the execution could not proceed because Mr. Lee still had time to seek further review of an appellate court decision six weeks earlier lifting a prior stay of execution. The Justice Department decided to pause the execution for several hours while the appellate court considered and promptly rejected Mr. Lee’s request. That cautious step, taken to ensure undoubted compliance with court orders, is irreconcilable with the suggestion that the department “rushed” the execution or disregarded any law. Mr. Lee’s final hours awaiting his fate were a result of his own lawyers’ choice to assert a non-meritorious objection at the last moment.

Mr. Lee’s lawyers also disregarded the cost to victims’ families of continued delay. Although they note that some members of Mr. Lee’s victims’ families opposed his execution, others did not. Nor did the family members of Wesley Purkey’s victim, Jennifer Long, who were in Terre Haute on Wednesday afternoon. When the District Court again imposed another last-minute stoppage, granting more time for Mr. Purkey’s lawyers to argue (among other things) that he did not understand the reason for his execution, the Justice Department again sought Supreme Court review.

As the hours wore on, Justice Department officials asked Ms. Long’s father if he would prefer to wait for another day. The answer was unequivocal: He would stay as long as it took. As Ms. Long’s stepmother later said, “We just shouldn’t have had to wait this long.” The Supreme Court ultimately authorized the execution just before 3 a.m. In his final statement, Mr. Purkey apologized to “Jennifer’s family” for the pain he had caused, contradicting the claim of his lawyers that he did not understand the reason for his execution.

The third execution, of Dustin Honken, occurred on schedule, but still too late for some of his victims’ families. John Duncan — the father of the victim Lori Duncan and grandfather of her slain daughters, Kandace (age 10) and Amber (age 6) — had urged Mr. Honken’s execution for years. As John Duncan was dying of cancer in 2018, he asked family members to promise they would witness the execution on his behalf. On July 17, they did. “Finally,” they said in a statement, “justice is being done.”

Mr. Lee’s lawyers and other death penalty opponents are entitled to disagree with that sentiment. But if the United States is going to allow capital punishment, a white-supremacist triple murderer would seem the textbook example of a justified case. And if death sentences are going to be imposed, they cannot just be hypothetical; they eventually have to be carried out, or the punishment will lose its deterrent and retributive effects.

Rather than forthrightly opposing the death penalty and attempting to change the law through democratic means, however, Mr. Lee’s lawyers and others have chosen the legal and public-relations equivalent of guerrilla war. They sought to obstruct by any means the administration of sentences that Congress permitted, juries supported and the Supreme Court approved. And when those tactics failed, they accused the Justice Department of “a grave threat to the rule of law,” even though it operated entirely within the law enacted by Congress and approved by the Supreme Court. The American people can decide for themselves which aspects of that process should be considered “shameful.”

Jeffrey A. Rosen is the deputy attorney general.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

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Human Rights Careers

5 Death Penalty Essays Everyone Should Know

Capital punishment is an ancient practice. It’s one that human rights defenders strongly oppose and consider as inhumane and cruel. In 2019, Amnesty International reported the lowest number of executions in about a decade. Most executions occurred in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt . The United States is the only developed western country still using capital punishment. What does this say about the US? Here are five essays about the death penalty everyone should read:

“When We Kill”

By: Nicholas Kristof | From: The New York Times 2019

In this excellent essay, Pulitizer-winner Nicholas Kristof explains how he first became interested in the death penalty. He failed to write about a man on death row in Texas. The man, Cameron Todd Willingham, was executed in 2004. Later evidence showed that the crime he supposedly committed – lighting his house on fire and killing his three kids – was more likely an accident. In “When We Kill,” Kristof puts preconceived notions about the death penalty under the microscope. These include opinions such as only guilty people are executed, that those guilty people “deserve” to die, and the death penalty deters crime and saves money. Based on his investigations, Kristof concludes that they are all wrong.

Nicholas Kristof has been a Times columnist since 2001. He’s the winner of two Pulitizer Prices for his coverage of China and the Darfur genocide.

“An Inhumane Way of Death”

By: Willie Jasper Darden, Jr.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was on death row for 14 years. In his essay, he opens with the line, “Ironically, there is probably more hope on death row than would be found in most other places.” He states that everyone is capable of murder, questioning if people who support capital punishment are just as guilty as the people they execute. Darden goes on to say that if every murderer was executed, there would be 20,000 killed per day. Instead, a person is put on death row for something like flawed wording in an appeal. Darden feels like he was picked at random, like someone who gets a terminal illness. This essay is important to read as it gives readers a deeper, more personal insight into death row.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was sentenced to death in 1974 for murder. During his time on death row, he advocated for his innocence and pointed out problems with his trial, such as the jury pool that excluded black people. Despite worldwide support for Darden from public figures like the Pope, Darden was executed in 1988.

“We Need To Talk About An Injustice”

By: Bryan Stevenson | From: TED 2012

This piece is a transcript of Bryan Stevenson’s 2012 TED talk, but we feel it’s important to include because of Stevenson’s contributions to criminal justice. In the talk, Stevenson discusses the death penalty at several points. He points out that for years, we’ve been taught to ask the question, “Do people deserve to die for their crimes?” Stevenson brings up another question we should ask: “Do we deserve to kill?” He also describes the American death penalty system as defined by “error.” Somehow, society has been able to disconnect itself from this problem even as minorities are disproportionately executed in a country with a history of slavery.

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and author. He’s argued in courts, including the Supreme Court, on behalf of the poor, minorities, and children. A film based on his book Just Mercy was released in 2019 starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx.

“I Know What It’s Like To Carry Out Executions”

By: S. Frank Thompson | From: The Atlantic 2019

In the death penalty debate, we often hear from the family of the victims and sometimes from those on death row. What about those responsible for facilitating an execution? In this opinion piece, a former superintendent from the Oregon State Penitentiary outlines his background. He carried out the only two executions in Oregon in the past 55 years, describing it as having a “profound and traumatic effect” on him. In his decades working as a correctional officer, he concluded that the death penalty is not working . The United States should not enact federal capital punishment.

Frank Thompson served as the superintendent of OSP from 1994-1998. Before that, he served in the military and law enforcement. When he first started at OSP, he supported the death penalty. He changed his mind when he observed the protocols firsthand and then had to conduct an execution.

“There Is No Such Thing As Closure on Death Row”

By: Paul Brown | From: The Marshall Project 2019

This essay is from Paul Brown, a death row inmate in Raleigh, North Carolina. He recalls the moment of his sentencing in a cold courtroom in August. The prosecutor used the term “closure” when justifying a death sentence. Who is this closure for? Brown theorizes that the prosecutors are getting closure as they end another case, but even then, the cases are just a way to further their careers. Is it for victims’ families? Brown is doubtful, as the death sentence is pursued even when the families don’t support it. There is no closure for Brown or his family as they wait for his execution. Vivid and deeply-personal, this essay is a must-read for anyone who wonders what it’s like inside the mind of a death row inmate.

Paul Brown has been on death row since 2000 for a double murder. He is a contributing writer to Prison Writers and shares essays on topics such as his childhood, his life as a prisoner, and more.

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About the author, emmaline soken-huberty.

Emmaline Soken-Huberty is a freelance writer based in Portland, Oregon. She started to become interested in human rights while attending college, eventually getting a concentration in human rights and humanitarianism. LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, and climate change are of special concern to her. In her spare time, she can be found reading or enjoying Oregon’s natural beauty with her husband and dog.

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Regions & Countries

Most americans favor the death penalty despite concerns about its administration, 78% say there is some risk of innocent people being put to death.

Pew Research Center conducted this study to better understand Americans’ views about the death penalty. For this analysis, we surveyed 5,109 U.S. adults from April 5 to 11, 2021. Everyone who took part in this survey is a member of the Center’s American Trends Panel (ATP), an online survey panel that is recruited through national, random sampling of residential addresses. This way nearly all U.S. adults have a chance of selection. The survey is weighted to be representative of the U.S. adult population by gender, race, ethnicity, partisan affiliation, education and other categories. Read more about the ATP’s methodology .

Here are the questions used for the report, along with responses, and its methodology .

The use of the death penalty is gradually disappearing in the United States. Last year, in part because of the coronavirus outbreak, fewer people were executed than in any year in nearly three decades .

Chart shows majority of Americans favor death penalty, but nearly eight-in-ten see ‘some risk’ of executing the innocent

Yet the death penalty for people convicted of murder continues to draw support from a majority of Americans despite widespread doubts about its administration, fairness and whether it deters serious crimes.

More Americans favor than oppose the death penalty: 60% of U.S. adults favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder, including 27% who strongly favor it. About four-in-ten (39%) oppose the death penalty, with 15% strongly opposed, according to a new Pew Research Center survey.

The survey, conducted April 5-11 among 5,109 U.S. adults on the Center’s American Trends Panel, finds that support for the death penalty is 5 percentage points lower than it was in August 2020, when 65% said they favored the death penalty for people convicted of murder.

Chart shows since 2019, modest changes in views of the death penalty

While public support for the death penalty has changed only modestly in recent years, support for the death penalty declined substantially between the late 1990s and the 2010s. (See “Death penalty draws more Americans’ support online than in telephone surveys” for more on long-term measures and the challenge of comparing views across different survey modes.)

Large shares of Americans express concerns over how the death penalty is administered and are skeptical about whether it deters people from committing serious crimes.

Nearly eight-in-ten (78%) say there is some risk that an innocent person will be put to death, while only 21% think there are adequate safeguards in place to prevent that from happening. Only 30% of death penalty supporters – and just 6% of opponents – say adequate safeguards exist to prevent innocent people from being executed.

A majority of Americans (56%) say Black people are more likely than White people to be sentenced to the death penalty for being convicted of serious crimes. This view is particularly widespread among Black adults: 85% of Black adults say Black people are more likely than Whites to receive the death penalty for being convicted of similar crimes (61% of Hispanic adults and 49% of White adults say this).

Moreover, more than six-in-ten Americans (63%), including about half of death penalty supporters (48%), say the death penalty does not deter people from committing serious crimes.

Yet support for the death penalty is strongly associated with a belief that when someone commits murder, the death penalty is morally justified. Among the public overall, 64% say the death penalty is morally justified in cases of murder, while 33% say it is not justified. An overwhelming share of death penalty supporters (90%) say it is morally justified under such circumstances, compared with 25% of death penalty opponents.

Chart shows greater support for death penalty in online panel surveys than telephone surveys

The data in the most recent survey, collected from Pew Research Center’s online American Trends Panel (ATP) , finds that 60% of Americans favor the death penalty for persons convicted of murder. Over four ATP surveys conducted since September 2019, there have been relatively modest shifts in these views – from a low of 60% seen in the most recent survey to a high of 65% seen in September 2019 and August 2020.

In Pew Research Center phone surveys conducted between September 2019 and August 2020 (with field periods nearly identical to the online surveys), support for the death penalty was significantly lower: 55% favored the death penalty in September 2019, 53% in January 2020 and 52% in August 2020. The consistency of this difference points to substantial mode effects on this question. As a result, survey results from recent online surveys are not directly comparable with past years’ telephone survey trends. A post accompanying this report provides further detail and analysis of the mode differences seen on this question. And for more on mode effects and the transition from telephone surveys to online panel surveys, see “What our transition to online polling means for decades of phone survey trends” and “Trends are a cornerstone of public opinion research. How do we continue to track changes in public opinion when there’s a shift in survey mode?”

Partisanship continues to be a major factor in support for the death penalty and opinions about its administration. Just over three-quarters of Republicans and independents who lean toward the Republican Party (77%) say they favor the death penalty for persons convicted of murder, including 40% who strongly favor it.

Democrats and Democratic leaners are more divided on this issue: 46% favor the death penalty, while 53% are opposed. About a quarter of Democrats (23%) strongly oppose the death penalty, compared with 17% who strongly favor it.

Over the past two years, the share of Republicans who say they favor the death penalty for persons convicted of murder has decreased slightly – by 7 percentage points – while the share of Democrats who say this is essentially unchanged (46% today vs. 49% in 2019).

Chart shows partisan differences in views of the death penalty – especially on racial disparities in sentencing

Republicans and Democrats also differ over whether the death penalty is morally justified, whether it acts as a deterrent to serious crime and whether adequate safeguards exist to ensure that no innocent person is put to death. Republicans are 29 percentage points more likely than Democrats to say the death penalty is morally justified, 28 points more likely to say it deters serious crimes, and 19 points more likely to say that adequate safeguards exist.

But the widest partisan divide – wider than differences in opinions about the death penalty itself – is over whether White people and Black people are equally likely to be sentenced to the death penalty for committing similar crimes.

About seven-in-ten Republicans (72%) say that White people and Black people are equally likely to be sentenced to death for the same types of crimes. Only 15% of Democrats say this. More than eight-in-ten Democrats (83%) instead say that Black people are more likely than White people to be sentenced to the death penalty for committing similar crimes.

Differing views of death penalty by race and ethnicity, education, ideology

There are wide ideological differences within both parties on this issue. Among Democrats, a 55% majority of conservatives and moderates favor the death penalty, a position held by just 36% of liberal Democrats (64% of liberal Democrats oppose the death penalty). A third of liberal Democrats strongly oppose the death penalty, compared with just 14% of conservatives and moderates.

Chart shows ideological divides in views of the death penalty, particularly among Democrats

While conservative Republicans are more likely to express support for the death penalty than moderate and liberal Republicans, clear majorities of both groups favor the death penalty (82% of conservative Republicans and 68% of moderate and liberal Republicans).

As in the past, support for the death penalty differs across racial and ethnic groups. Majorities of White (63%), Asian (63%) and Hispanic adults (56%) favor the death penalty for persons convicted of murder. Black adults are evenly divided: 49% favor the death penalty, while an identical share oppose it.

Support for the death penalty also varies across age groups. About half of those ages 18 to 29 (51%) favor the death penalty, compared with about six-in-ten adults ages 30 to 49 (58%) and those 65 and older (60%). Adults ages 50 to 64 are most supportive of the death penalty, with 69% in favor.

There are differences in attitudes by education, as well. Nearly seven-in-ten adults (68%) who have not attended college favor the death penalty, as do 63% of those who have some college experience but no degree.

Chart shows non-college White, Black and Hispanic adults more supportive of death penalty

About half of those with four-year undergraduate degrees but no postgraduate experience (49%) support the death penalty. Among those with postgraduate degrees, a larger share say they oppose (55%) than favor (44%) the death penalty.

The divide in support for the death penalty between those with and without college degrees is seen across racial and ethnic groups, though the size of this gap varies. A large majority of White adults without college degrees (72%) favor the death penalty, compared with about half (47%) of White adults who have degrees. Among Black adults, 53% of those without college degrees favor the death penalty, compared with 34% of those with college degrees. And while a majority of Hispanic adults without college degrees (58%) say they favor the death penalty, a smaller share (47%) of those with college degrees say this.

Intraparty differences in support for the death penalty

Republicans are consistently more likely than Democrats to favor the death penalty, though there are divisions within each party by age as well as by race and ethnicity.

Republicans ages 18 to 34 are less likely than other Republicans to say they favor the death penalty. Just over six-in-ten Republicans in this age group (64%) say this, compared with about eight-in-ten Republicans ages 35 and older.

Chart shows partisan gap in views of death penalty is widest among adults 65 and older

Among Democrats, adults ages 50 to 64 are much more likely than adults in other age groups to favor the death penalty. A 58% majority of 50- to 64-year-old Democrats favor the death penalty, compared with 47% of those ages 35 to 49 and about four-in-ten Democrats who are 18 to 34 or 65 and older.

Overall, White adults are more likely to favor the death penalty than Black or Hispanic adults, while White and Asian American adults are equally likely to favor the death penalty. However, White Democrats are less likely to favor the death penalty than Black, Hispanic or Asian Democrats. About half of Hispanic (53%), Asian (53%) and Black (48%) Democrats favor the death penalty, compared with 42% of White Democrats.

About eight-in-ten White Republicans favor the death penalty, as do about seven-in-ten Hispanic Republicans (69%).

Differences by race and ethnicity, education over whether there are racial disparities in death penalty sentencing

There are substantial demographic differences in views of whether death sentencing is applied fairly across racial groups. While 85% of Black adults say Black people are more likely than White people to be sentenced to death for committing similar crimes, a narrower majority of Hispanic adults (61%) and about half of White adults (49%) say the same. People with four-year college degrees (68%) also are more likely than those who have not completed college (50%) to say that Black people and White people are treated differently when it comes to the death penalty.

Chart shows overwhelming majority of Black adults see racial disparities in death penalty sentencing, as do a smaller majority of Hispanic adults; White adults are divided

About eight-in-ten Democrats (83%), including fully 94% of liberal Democrats and three-quarters of conservative and moderate Democrats, say Black people are more likely than White people to be sentenced to death for committing the same type of crime – a view shared by just 25% of Republicans (18% of conservative Republicans and 38% of moderate and liberal Republicans).

Across educational and racial or ethnic groups, majorities say that the death penalty does not deter serious crimes, although there are differences in how widely this view is held. About seven-in-ten (69%) of those with college degrees say this, as do about six-in-ten (59%) of those without college degrees. About seven-in-ten Black adults (72%) and narrower majorities of White (62%) and Hispanic (63%) adults say the same. Asian American adults are more divided, with half saying the death penalty deters serious crimes and a similar share (49%) saying it does not.

Among Republicans, a narrow majority of conservative Republicans (56%) say the death penalty does deter serious crimes, while a similar share of moderate and liberal Republicans (57%) say it does not.

A large majority of liberal Democrats (82%) and a smaller, though still substantial, majority of conservative and moderate Democrats (70%) say the death penalty does not deter serious crimes. But Democrats are divided over whether the death penalty is morally justified. A majority of conservative and moderate Democrats (57%) say that a death sentence is morally justified when someone commits a crime like murder, compared with fewer than half of liberal Democrats (44%).

There is widespread agreement on one topic related to the death penalty: Nearly eight-in-ten (78%) say that there is some risk an innocent person will be put to death, including large majorities among various racial or ethnic, educational, and even ideological groups. For example, about two-thirds of conservative Republicans (65%) say this – compared with 34% who say there are adequate safeguards to ensure that no innocent person will be executed – despite conservative Republicans expressing quite favorable attitudes toward the death penalty on other questions.

Overwhelming share of death penalty supporters say it is morally justified

Those who favor the death penalty consistently express more favorable attitudes regarding specific aspects of the death penalty than those who oppose it.

Chart shows support for death penalty is strongly associated with belief that it is morally justified for crimes like murder

For instance, nine-in-ten of those who favor the death penalty also say that the death penalty is morally justified when someone commits a crime like murder. Just 25% of those who oppose the death penalty say it is morally justified.

This relationship holds among members of each party. Among Republicans and Republican leaners who favor the death penalty, 94% say it is morally justified; 86% of Democrats and Democratic leaners who favor the death penalty also say this.

By comparison, just 35% of Republicans and 21% of Democrats who oppose the death penalty say it is morally justified.

Similarly, those who favor the death penalty are more likely to say it deters people from committing serious crimes. Half of those who favor the death penalty say this, compared with 13% of those who oppose it. And even though large majorities of both groups say there is some risk an innocent person will be put to death, members of the public who favor the death penalty are 24 percentage points more likely to say that there are adequate safeguards to prevent this than Americans who oppose the death penalty.

On the question of whether Black people and White people are equally likely to be sentenced to death for committing similar crimes, partisanship is more strongly associated with these views than one’s overall support for the death penalty: Republicans who oppose the death penalty are more likely than Democrats who favor it to say White people and Black people are equally likely to be sentenced to death.

Among Republicans who favor the death penalty, 78% say that Black and White people are equally likely to receive this sentence. Among Republicans who oppose the death penalty, about half (53%) say this. However, just 26% of Democrats who favor the death penalty say that Black and White people are equally likely to receive this sentence, and only 6% of Democrats who oppose the death penalty say this.

CORRECTION (July 13, 2021): The following sentence was updated to reflect the correct timespan: “Last year, in part because of the coronavirus outbreak, fewer people were executed than in any year in nearly three decades.” The changes did not affect the report’s substantive findings.

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About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .

5 Arguments in Favor of the Death Penalty

Does capital punishment really bring justice to victims?

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Fifty-five percent of Americans support the death penalty, according to a 2017 Gallup poll . A survey the polling organization took two years later found that 56% of Americans support capital punishment for convicted murderers, down 4% from a similar poll taken in 2016. While the exact number of poll respondents in favor of the death penalty has fluctuated over the years, a slight majority of those surveyed continue to back capital punishment based on arguments ranging from religious dogma to the cost of covering a life prison sentence. Depending on one's perspective, however, the death penalty may not actually represent justice for victims.

"The Death Penalty Is an Effective Deterrent"

This is probably the most common argument in favor of capital punishment, and there's actually some evidence that the death penalty may be a deterrent to homicide, but it's a very expensive deterrent . As such, the question is not just whether the death penalty prevents crime but whether capital punishment is the most economically efficient deterrent. The death penalty, after all, requires considerable funds and resources, making it extremely costly to implement. Moreover, traditional law enforcement agencies and community violence prevention programs have a much stronger track record vis-a-vis deterrence, and they remain underfunded due, in part, to the expense of the death penalty.

"The Death Penalty is Cheaper Than Feeding a Murderer for Life"

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, independent studies in several states, including Oklahoma, reveal that capital punishment is actually far more expensive to administer than life imprisonment. This is due in part to the lengthy appeals process, which still sends innocent people to death row on a fairly regular basis.

In 1972, citing the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments , the Supreme Court abolished the death penalty  due to arbitrary sentencing. Justice Potter Stewart wrote for the majority:

"These death sentences are cruel and unusual in the same way that being struck by lightning is cruel and unusual ... [T]he Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments cannot tolerate the infliction of a sentence of death under legal systems that permit this unique penalty to be so wantonly and so freakishly imposed."

The Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty in 1976, but only after states reformed their legal statutes to better protect the rights of the accused. As of 2019, 29 states continue to use capital punishment , while 21 prohibit the death penalty.

"Murderers Deserve to Die"

Many Americans share this view, while others oppose the death penalty no matter the crime committed. Death penalty opponents also note that the government is an imperfect human institution and not an instrument of divine retribution. Therefore, it lacks the power, the mandate, and the competence to make sure that good is always proportionally rewarded and evil always proportionally punished. In fact, organizations such as the Innocence Project exist solely to advocate for the wrongfully convicted, and some of the convicted felons it has represented have been on death row.

"The Bible Says 'An Eye for an Eye'"

Actually, there is little support in the Bible for the death penalty. Jesus, who himself was sentenced to death and legally executed, had this to say (Matthew 5:38-48):

"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

What about the Hebrew Bible? Well, ancient Rabbinic courts almost never enforced the death penalty due to the high standard of evidence required. The Union for Reform Judaism (URJ), which represents the majority of American Jews, has called for the total abolition of the death penalty since 1959.

"Families Deserve Closure"

Families find closure in many different ways, and many never find closure at all. Regardless, "closure" is not a euphemism for vengeance, the desire for which is understandable from an emotional point of view but not from a legal perspective. Vengeance is not justice. 

The friends and family of murder victims will live with that loss for the rest of their lives, with or without controversial policy objectives such as the death penalty. Providing and funding long-term mental health care and other services to the families of murder victims is one way to support them. 

  • The Death Penalty in the United States
  • Criminal Justice and Your Constitutional Rights
  • Finding Sources for Death Penalty Research
  • Capital Punishment: Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty
  • Recent Legal History of the Death Penalty in America
  • The Grim Sleeper Serial Killer Case
  • Pros & Cons of the Death Penalty
  • Profile of Serial Killer Rodney Alcala
  • Furman v. Georgia: Supreme Court Case, Arguments, Impact
  • Sadistic Killer and Rapist Charles Ng
  • New Challenges to the Death Penalty
  • A History of the Guillotine in Europe
  • Wesley Shermantine and Loren Herzog
  • Aggravating and Mitigating Factors
  • Coker v. Georgia: Supreme Court Case, Arguments, Impact
  • Roe v. Wade

Is the Death Penalty Effective? Essay

Introduction, death penalty in saudi arabia, effectiveness, the death penalty in the united states, effectiveness of this form of punishment in deterring crime, works cited.

Although the number of countries that still use the death penalty as a form of punishment has drastically reduced, some countries such as Saudi Arabia and China and some states in the USA still use it.

As per Amnesty International’s research reports, over 90% global states have completely abolished this form of punishment and for those that still use it, they normally use it to punish crimes that they consider to be very heinous (Radelet and Lacock 495-509).

For a while now, Saudi Arabia has remained one of the global nations that strongly believe that punishing by death is one of the ways of giving justice to victims of crime and one of the best ways of deterring heinous crimes.

Capital punishment in this Arabic country is well defined in Sharia laws, and once somebody has been found guilty of a capital offense, the best form of punishment they are subjected to is the death sentence. Some of the wrongdoings that attract such a sentence are theft, infidelity, witchcraft, rape, killing, and if you are assumed or found guilty of being a false prophet or apostrophes.

When one is convicted with one of these offenses, there is normally a couple of ways justice is applied with the favourite being a public cutting of the head, which is done in the middle of Riyadh. There have been 345 executions carried out in the three years culminating to 2010, 82 executed in 2011 and 17 to date. Other methods of execution are death by stoning, although this method is not currently used.

Before the execution day comes, the defendant firstly has to undergoes a trial (which is usually a closed door meeting) and is allowed legal representation and a right to appeal if the case goes against him or her for fairness purposes.

Later on if one is found guilty, they will have to go to prison and await their execution day; whereby the family of the victim will be given a chance to decide what they want to be done. Any guilty individual can be punished by death, be allowed to serve a jail term and compensate the bereaved family or pay the government some fine and serve some jail term (Lines 6-17 and Schabas 225-231).

According to Hands off Cain (1), in 2003 there were 52 executions, in 2004 38, in 2005 90, in 2006 39, in 2007 166, in 2008 102, in 2009 27, in 2010 81, and in 2012 the figure stood at 78. The statistics above show that, although the number of executions has not reduced very much, there is a slight reduction; hence, showing that this form of punishment has really helped to reduce occurrence of heinous crimes.

Considering that every year the population increases, statistically, there should be a larger number of perpetrators of capital crime. Therefore, even though the figures may seem to go up in certain years, the figures point to a startling finding that indeed capital punishment is effective.

Although the United States is a first world country and the use of this form of punishment is one of the most controversial topics, this form of punishment is still alive and practised in some if it’s states with immense support from its population.

According to Radelet and Lacock (481-487), for a long time now, there have been numerous individuals who support this from of punishment, because to them there is no any better form of punishment for heinous crime perpetrators. Although a good number of individuals who are found guilty of committing of heinous crimes are put on death row, most of these convictions are normally overturned for lesser forms of punishments.

Before being convicted, the accused will have to first pass through the legal system of the court; whereby, they will be charged. After this, a direct review of the conviction is made to ascertain if the sentencing was fair. This is the final stage where the defendants can have their case overturned based on the judge’s final ruling.

If a defendant is unsuccessful with the above process, there is the “Federal habeas corpus”; where one can demand their case to be heard by the federal court. In case all the above appeal processes completely fail, the last process will be the “section 1983 contested”, which involves setting of the execution date.

Most convicted felons on death row in this continent are normally executed by lethal injection. Though hanging is the oldest method that was used, it’s unpopular now and less likely to be used. Other ways that are used are electrocution, using the lethal gas or a firing squad.

Some Americans still think that the death penalty is not being utilised to its capacity, since some killers actually slip through the hand of justice and are left to kill again.

Most people justify the death penalty on grounds that that the convicted killer will never live to kill again, and is seen as the best deterrent to potential future murders. As per Weisberg (153-161), as far as can be established, a single death sentence helps to prevent more than 18 murders; hence, this sentence is effective.

In conclusion, considering the numerous benefits of this form of punishment and because of the significance of a fair justice system, capital punishment should be appreciated and embraced. However, to limit the chances of killing innocent people and executing the guilty ones cruelly, state and governmental organs must endeavour to find better ways of executing this form of punishment

Hand off Cain. Saudi Arabia – Retentionist . 2013. Web.

Lines, Rick. “The Death Penalty for Drug Offences: A violation of international human Rights law.” London: International Harm Reduction Association (2007):1-30. Print.

Radelet, Michael and Lacock, Traci. “Recent Developments: Do Executions Lower Homicide Rates? The Views of Leading.” The Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology Criminologist 99.2 (2009): 489-508. Print.

Schabas, William A. “Islam and the Death Penalty.” William & Mary Bill of Rights Journal 9.1 (2000): 223-236. Print.

Weisberg, Robert. “The death penalty meets social science: Deterrence and jury behaviour under new scrutiny.” Annual Review of Law and Social Science 1(2005): 151-170. Print.

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Essays About the Death Penalty: Top 5 Examples and Prompts

The death penalty is a major point of contention all around the world. Read our guide so you can write well-informed essays about the death penalty. 

Out of all the issues at the forefront of public discourse today, few are as hotly debated as the death penalty. As its name suggests, the death penalty involves the execution of a criminal as punishment for their transgressions. The death penalty has always been, and continues to be, an emotionally and politically charged essay topic.

Arguments about the death penalty are more motivated by feelings and emotions; many proponents are people seeking punishment for the killers of their loved ones, while many opponents are mourning the loss of loved ones executed through the death penalty. There may also be a religious aspect to support and oppose the policy. 

1. The Issues of Death Penalties and Social Justice in The United States (Author Unknown)

2. serving justice with death penalty by rogelio elliott, 3. can you be christian and support the death penalty by matthew schmalz, 4.  death penalty: persuasive essay by jerome glover, 5. the death penalty by kamala harris, top 5 writing prompts on essays about the death penalty, 1. death penalty: do you support or oppose it, 2. how has the death penalty changed throughout history, 3. the status of capital punishment in your country, 4. death penalty and poverty, 5. does the death penalty serve as a deterrent for serious crimes, 6. what are the pros and cons of the death penalty vs. life imprisonment , 7. how is the death penalty different in japan vs. the usa, 8. why do some states use the death penalty and not others, 9. what are the most common punishments selected by prisoners for execution, 10. should the public be allowed to view an execution, 11. discuss the challenges faced by the judicial system in obtaining lethal injection doses, 12. should the death penalty be used for juveniles, 13. does the death penalty have a racial bias to it.

“Executing another person only creates a cycle of vengeance and death where if all of the rationalities and political structures are dropped, the facts presented at the end of the day is that a man is killed because he killed another man, so when does it end? Human life is to be respected and appreciated, not thrown away as if it holds no meaningful value.”

This essay discusses several reasons to oppose the death penalty in the United States. First, the author cites the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, saying that the death penalty is inhumane and deprives people of life. Human life should be respected, and death should not be responded to with another death. In addition, the author cites evidence showing that the death penalty does not deter crime nor gives closure to victims’ families. 

Check out these essays about police brutality .

“Capital punishment follows the constitution and does not break any of the amendments. Specific people deserve to be punished in this way for the crime they commit. It might immoral to people but that is not the point of the death penalty. The death penalty is not “killing for fun”. The death penalty serves justice. When justice is served, it prevents other people from becoming the next serial killer. It’s simple, the death penalty strikes fear.”

Elliott supports the death penalty, writing that it gives criminals what they deserve. After all, those who commit “small” offenses will not be executed anyway. In addition, it reinforces the idea that justice comes to wrongdoers. Finally, he states that the death penalty is constitutional and is supported by many Americans.

“The letter states that this development of Catholic doctrine is consistent with the thought of the two previous popes: St. Pope John Paul II and Benedict XVI. St. John Paul II maintained that capital punishment should be reserved only for “absolute necessity.” Benedict XVI also supported efforts to eliminate the death penalty. Most important, however, is that Pope Francis is emphasizing an ethic of forgiveness. The Pope has argued that social justice applies to all citizens. He also believes that those who harm society should make amends through acts that affirm life, not death.”

Schmalz discusses the Catholic position on the death penalty. Many early Catholic leaders believed that the death penalty was justified; however, Pope Francis writes that “modern methods of imprisonment effectively protect society from criminals,” and executions are unnecessary. Therefore, the Catholic Church today opposes the death penalty and strives to protect life.

“There are many methods of execution, like electrocution, gas chamber, hanging, firing squad and lethal injection. For me, I just watched once on TV, but it’s enough to bring me nightmares. We only live once and we will lose anything we once had without life. Life is precious and can’t just be taken away that easily. In my opinion, I think Canada shouldn’t adopt the death penalty as its most severe form of criminal punishment.”

Glover’s essay acknowledges reasons why people might support the death penalty; however, he believes that these are not enough for him to support it. He believes capital punishment is inhumane and should not be implemented in Canada. It deprives people of a second chance and does not teach wrongdoers much of a lesson. In addition, it is inhumane and deprives people of their right to life. 

“Let’s be clear: as a former prosecutor, I absolutely and strongly believe there should be serious and swift consequences when one person kills another. I am unequivocal in that belief. We can — and we should — always pursue justice in the name of victims and give dignity to the families that grieve. But in our democracy, a death sentence carried out by the government does not constitute justice for those who have been put to death and proven innocent after the fact.”

This short essay was written by the then-presidential candidate and current U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris to explain her campaign’s stance on the death penalty. First, she believes it does not execute justice and is likely to commit injustice by sentencing innocent people to death. In addition, it is said to disproportionally affect nonwhite people. Finally, it is more fiscally responsible for abolishing capital punishment, as it uses funds that could be used for education and healthcare. 

Essays About Death Penalty

This topic always comes first to mind when thinking of what to write. For a strong argumentative essay, consider the death penalty and list its pros and cons. Then, conclude whether or not it would be beneficial to reinstate or keep the policy. There is an abundance of sources you can gather inspiration from, including the essay examples listed above and countless other online sources.

People have been put to death as a punishment since the dawn of recorded history, but as morals and technology have changed, the application of the death penalty has evolved. This essay will explore how the death penalty has been used and carried out throughout history.

This essay will examine both execution methods and when capital punishment is ordered. A few points to explore in this essay include:

  • Thousands of years ago, “an eye for an eye” was the standard. How were executions carried out in ancient history?
  • The religious context of executions during the middle ages is worth exploring. When was someone burned at the stake?
  • The guillotine became a popular method of execution during the renaissance period. How does this method compare to both ancient execution methods and modern methods?
  • The most common execution methods in the modern era include the firing squad, hanging, lethal injections, gas chambers, and electrocution. How do these methods compare to older forms of execution?

Choose a country, preferably your home country, and look into the death penalty status: is it being implemented or not? If you wish, you can also give a brief history of the death penalty in your chosen country and your thoughts. You do not necessarily need to write about your own country; however, picking your homeland may provide better insight. 

Critics of the death penalty argue that it is anti-poor, as a poor person accused of a crime punishable by death lacks the resources to hire a good lawyer to defend them adequately. For your essay, reflect on this issue and write about your thoughts. Is it inhumane for the poor? After all, poor people will not have sufficient resources to hire good lawyers, regardless of the punishment. 

This is one of the biggest debates in the justice system. While the justice system has been set up to punish, it should also deter people from committing crimes. Does the death penalty do an adequate job at deterring crimes? 

This essay should lay out the evidence that shows how the death penalty either does or does not deter crime. A few points to explore in this essay include:

  • Which crimes have the death penalty as the ultimate punishment?
  • How does the murder rate compare to states that do not have the death penalty in states with the death penalty?
  • Are there confounding factors that must be taken into consideration with this comparison? How do they play a role?

Essays about the Death Penalty: What are the pros and cons of the death penalty vs. Life imprisonment? 

This is one of the most straightforward ways to explore the death penalty. If the death penalty is to be removed from criminal cases, it must be replaced with something else. The most logical alternative is life imprisonment. 

There is no “right” answer to this question, but a strong argumentative essay could take one side over another in this death penalty debate. A few points to explore in this essay include:

  • Some people would rather be put to death instead of imprisoned in a cell for life. Should people have the right to decide which punishment they accept?
  • What is the cost of the death penalty versus imprisoning someone for life? Even though it can be expensive to imprison someone for life, remember that most death penalty cases are appealed numerous times before execution.
  • Would the death penalty be more acceptable if specific execution methods were used instead of others?

Few first-world countries still use the death penalty. However, Japan and the United States are two of the biggest users of the death sentence.

This is an interesting compare and contrast essay worth exploring. In addition, this essay can explore the differences in how executions are carried out. Some of the points to explore include:

  • What are the execution methods countries use? The execution method in the United States can vary from state to state, but Japan typically uses hanging. Is this considered a cruel and unusual punishment?
  • In the United States, death row inmates know their execution date. In Japan, they do not. So which is better for the prisoner?
  • How does the public in the United States feel about the death penalty versus public opinion in Japan? Should this influence when, how, and if executions are carried out in the respective countries?

In the United States, justice is typically administered at the state level unless a federal crime has been committed. So why do some states have the death penalty and not others?

This essay will examine which states have the death penalty and make the most use of this form of punishment as part of the legal system. A few points worth exploring in this essay include:

  • When did various states outlaw the death penalty (if they do not use it today)?
  • Which states execute the most prisoners? Some states to mention are Texas and Oklahoma.
  • Do the states that have the death penalty differ in when the death penalty is administered?
  • Is this sentence handed down by the court system or by the juries trying the individual cases in states with the death penalty?

It might be interesting to see if certain prisoners have selected a specific execution method to make a political statement. Numerous states allow prisoners to select how they will be executed. The most common methods include lethal injections, firing squads, electric chairs, gas chambers, and hanging. 

It might be interesting to see if certain prisoners have selected a specific execution method to make a political statement. Some of the points this essay might explore include:

  • When did these different execution methods become options for execution?
  • Which execution methods are the most common in the various states that offer them?
  • Is one method considered more “humane” than others? If so, why?

One of the topics recently discussed is whether the public should be allowed to view an execution.

There are many potential directions to go with this essay, and all of these points are worth exploring. A few topics to explore in this essay include:

  • In the past, executions were carried out in public places. There are a few countries, particularly in the Middle East, where this is still the case. So why were executions carried out in public?
  • In some situations, individuals directly involved in the case, such as the victim’s loved ones, are permitted to view the execution. Does this bring a sense of closure?
  • Should executions be carried out in private? Does this reduce transparency in the justice system?

Lethal injection is one of the most common modes of execution. The goal is to put the person to sleep and remove their pain. Then, a cocktail is used to stop their heart. Unfortunately, many companies have refused to provide states with the drugs needed for a lethal injection. A few points to explore include:

  • Doctors and pharmacists have said it is against the oath they took to “not harm.” Is this true? What impact does this have?
  • If someone is giving the injection without medical training, how does this impact the prisoner?
  • Have states decided to use other more “harmful” modes of execution because they can’t get what they need for the lethal injection?

There are certain crimes, such as murder, where the death penalty is a possible punishment across the country. Even though minors can be tried as adults in some situations, they typically cannot be given the death penalty.

It might be interesting to see what legal experts and victims of juvenile capital crimes say about this important topic. A few points to explore include:

  • How does the brain change and evolve as someone grows?
  • Do juveniles have a higher rate of rehabilitation than adults?
  • Should the wishes of the victim’s family play a role in the final decision?

The justice system, and its unjust impact on minorities , have been a major area of research during the past few decades. It might be worth exploring if the death penalty is disproportionately used in cases involving minorities. 

It might be worth looking at numbers from Amnesty International or the Innocence Project to see what the numbers show. A strong essay might also propose ways to make justice system cases more equitable and fair. A few points worth exploring include:

  • Of the cases where the death penalty has been levied, what percentage of the cases involve a minority perpetrator?
  • Do stays of execution get granted more often in cases involving white people versus minorities?
  • Do white people get handed a sentence of life in prison without parole more often than people of minority descent?

If you’d like to learn more, our writer explains how to write an argumentative essay in this guide.

For help with your essay, check our round-up of best essay writing apps .

essay on is the death penalty effective

Martin is an avid writer specializing in editing and proofreading. He also enjoys literary analysis and writing about food and travel.

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Is the Death Penalty Effective?

The use of capital punishment within the legal system is one of the highly contested issues in the United States and the world. The death penalty occurs when a person or individual gets punished by being put to death. Proponents of the death penalty argue that it helps in eliminating felons who are members of criminal groups. However, their argument is flawed since they fail to consider the numerous wrongful convictions made in the courts. The government sanctions capital punishment to serve justice for offenses considered capital felonies, such as treason, murder, and terrorism. However, other forms of punishment can be applied through rehabilitation in jail to avoid instances where families are left to mourn for their relatives. For capital punishments, forms of execution include death by hanging, electrocution, lethal injections, shooting, and even gassing. However, executing offenders does not prevent crime, is inhumane, and promotes violence over rehabilitation. Capital punishment is also associated with discrimination and violates the right to life. Therefore, the death penalty is not effective as it does not promote the human right to live and the choice to rehabilitate.

Executing offenders is not an effective approach because it takes away a person’s life and human dignity. The right to life is among the fundamental rights of human beings across the globe (Nagelsen and Huckleberry 2). Through the death penalty, persons sentenced to death do not get a chance to live as expected. The law is supposed to respect every individual’s right, including those condemned to death penalties. It is the duty of those enforcing the law to protect each person’s life, regardless of who they are and what the person has done. (Nagelsen and Huckleberry 2). The death penalty takes away citizens’ dignity and lives since the government decides when they will die. Notably, the government should be a body that facilitates the promotion of human life and dignity and not the one that sanctions the killing of human beings (Nagelsen and Huckleberry 4). Further, it carries no affirmative value, and it proves expensive. Through this realization, there has been a constant decrease in the number of death penalties in the United States. Therefore, this form of punishment is ineffective since it violates the right to life and human dignity.

In most countries, the death penalty fails to consider the crimes that women commit and the circumstances under which they were committed. Available statistics about the women sentenced for murder show that they committed the crime as a way of self-defense from abusive relatives and spouses (Lourtau and Hickey 11). For example, in China, over half of the women sentenced to death murdered a response to gender-based violence (Lourtau and Hickey 11). In most nations, the law does not consider that these women were killing their abusers, who the law had failed to apprehend. Discrimination has a direct link with death penalties, thus rendering the punishment ineffective. Factors that perpetuate discrimination may include deficient defense counsel and, in some cases, race (Steiker and Steiker 243). The lack of economic independence and supportive institutions to facilitate divorce does not exist in some nations, especially where there is a prevalence in marriages between young girls and older spouses. Women in the Middle East and Asia are also more likely to face the death penalty for drug-related crimes.

Additionally, over 40 women in Iran were hanged due to engaging in drug crimes between 2001 and 2017 (Lourtau and Hickey 12). On the other hand, men were more likely to get life sentences for similar or worse crimes. In Thailand, most women facing capital punishment are in prison due to drug crimes (Lourtau and Hickey 12). However, the Middle East and Asia’s justice systems ignore the gender and economic inequalities that push women to engage in such crimes. Research also shows that female victims of abuse are likely to indulge in smuggling and selling drugs as a way to boost their self-esteem (Lourtau and Hickey 12). In that case, research gaps in the criminal and social system have caused many women worldwide to die for crimes that they committed due to circumstances and inequalities within the social structure.

Capital punishment does not give individuals a chance to rehabilitate. Most people serving their time in jail have the chance to reflect on their crimes and become better people deeply. Apart from putting criminals away to serve justice, the prison system is also there to rehabilitate criminals and give them a chance to be better citizens. Furthermore, there is no credible evidence to prove that the death penalty prevents crime or lowers deterrence rates. Although remorse does not work for everyone to help them change, the death penalty gives no chances for those sentenced to change or try to become better (Nagelsen and Huckleberry 2). Therefore, justice cannot be served using a punishment that seeks to take away the lives of the same people in correctional facilities. Abolishing capital punishment is one way to prove that correctional facilities are functional. It also helps save people who may be convicted for drug smuggling, which requires rehabilitation. Hence, the death penalty is ineffective since it fails to recognize the significance of correctional centers in rehabilitating offenders.

Sentencing offenders found guilty of the crimes to death does not reduce murder cases, terrorism acts, and treason charges substantially. Serial killers and terrorists continue with their criminal activities, get caught, and are sentenced to death in some cases. In countries such as Canada where the death penalty is banned, the rate of murder seems to be lower than when the death penalty was active (Amnesty International). Also, there have been cases where innocent convicts face execution through the death penalty (Tortorice 532). Capital punishment, when implemented to punish a person, cannot be appealed since death is final. There should be no mistakes where innocents face the death penalty’s execution to be deemed effective and fair for those committing capital offenses (Tortorice 532). In this respect, life imprisonment sentences can replace death since, in imprisonment, there is no chance to make a terrible mistake right. For instance, many innocent people in the US have been subjected to the death sentence for crimes they have not committed. Records show that 155 people have been freed from death row since 1976, while one out of ten was executed (Sethuraju et al. 4). Death penalties are highly subjective, especially when innocent persons are involved, as they pose a significant violation of human rights.

The American criminal justice face accusations of racial injustice due to the skewed number of incarcerated offenders based on ethnicity. More so, racial disparity in capital punishment has existed since colonial times (Steiker and Steiker 243). In essence, racial discrimination is linked to the number of deaths through execution, which renders the punishment ineffective. Notably, African Americans have experienced heightened disparate treatment in capital crimes under neutral capital statutes. Further, following the Civil War, the black community experienced a lengthy era of lynching with minimal legal protection. This exposed many individuals to the death penalty, mostly since the Supreme Court avoids race issues in such legal proceedings (Steiker and Steiker 244). Other factors that perpetuate discrimination may include deficient defense counsel afforded to offenders from the African American community. This is because most are inexperienced in cases involving capital felonies, further increasing the chances of being sentenced to death. Moreover, most offenders on death row can barely afford quality and experienced defense counsels. Based on these findings, capital punishment fails to achieve its purpose of deterring crime and becomes a channel for promoting systemic discrimination against vulnerable groups.

Proponents of the death penalty base their arguments on retribution law, deterrence, and incapacitating capital offenders’ costs. Retribution stands as a primary reason for supporting capital punishment. One of the support claims of retribution is that punishment should cause equal harm to the offender as the damage caused by the criminal act. Another perspective indicates that the death penalty is the only appropriate punishment for murder convicts since the crime involved a deliberate killing of the victim (Sethuraju et al. 4). This approach depicts anger-directed retribution to the pain caused to those affected by the murder. However, morality governs human actions noting that it is wrong to kill someone despite their actions. Further, this argument is grounded on the fact that innocent people might be executed due to the death penalty’s blunt nature. Moreover, research on capital punishment’s effects shows that it does not contribute significantly to deterrence (Sethuraju et al. 4). Besides, the brutalization effect elicited by the death penalty might lead to increased homicides and violent crimes. In that case, the death penalty does not provide a solution to current crimes and may serve as a way of satisfying other people’s retributive anger.

Capital punishment has long been thought to lower incarceration costs as more offenders are imprisoned in the US, leading to overcrowding. However, research has shown that in states where the death penalty is practiced, the process has become more expensive than life imprisonment. The costs of the death penalty arise from the prolonged legal process and expensive living conditions. Notably, the complexity of issuing a death sentence on an offender increases the costs from prosecution to the final hearing. Statistics show that the average time spent in death penalty cases was 74 and 190 months in 1984 and 2012 (McFarland 54). This indicates that inmates serve almost double sentences because of the extended stays during the prosecution process. Furthermore, death row offenders are expensive to maintain during incarceration because they require high security, which raises the costs of supervision and living conditions (McFarland 56). More so, the number of executions has significantly reduced over the years due to the death penalty’s controversial nature. Therefore, allowing such persons to serve life imprisonment can reduce prolonged legal proceedings costs due to the complex legal system.

In most cases involving terrorism, capital punishment when executed does more wrong than good for citizens. Many governments enforce death penalties in the name of national security. However, many terrorists commit crimes and persecutions without fear of death, as most of them are willing to die for their terrorist beliefs (Bibi et al. 43). This means that killing such individuals propels their religious beliefs, such as becoming martyrs to those idolizing them. The Islamic fighters continue to ravage peaceful countries on the argument of holy war, which only increases when imprisoned offenders are killed. The followers praise the ‘martyrs’ causing more destruction than good and affecting not only victims but also every other citizen in the affected countries (Bibi et al. 43). Also, some civilians get death sentences due to condemnation from confessions extracted by employing torture. However, despite the terrorist attacks, the death penalty is inhumane. Capital punishments are executed in different approaches where some such electrocution is painful. How the ‘martyr’ is executed might solicit an emotional response from other followers, leading to increased acts of terrorism. Therefore, in terror-related cases, the death sentence is not practical since the terrorists are committed to the suicide mission.

The death penalty can reduce homicides as studies have shown that abolition of capital punishment has led to increased unlawful killings. Studies show that publicizing executions decreases the number of homicides (Muramatsu et al. 432). This is because capital punishment functions as a temporary deterrent factor for homicides. In that case, people are dissuaded from committing a crime if capital punishment is implemented swiftly. However, the increasing complexity of criminal justice systems across the world hampers the probability of executing offenders without lengthy court proceedings. Furthermore, studies in the UK have shown that the number of unlawful killings has increased since capital punishment was abolished in 1964 (Chen 7). Although public opinion tends to show that the death penalty is not effective, the significance of receiving a death sentence might hinder people from committing crimes. In cases where an individual premeditates to commit murder, the person may be discouraged by the thought of being issued the death penalty. On the other hand, the death penalty may not certainly prevent future capital crimes from being committed by other people. As death remains irreversible, there is an assurance of a crime not repeated by an individual already executed.

In conclusion, the death penalty has proven ineffective since it affects the dignity of human life, inhibits rehabilitation, and adversely affects the distribution of justice. Besides, executing people does not show a positive response towards crime deterrence. Justice should be fair, observing the rights of the condemned. Taking another person’s life will always have consequences, which in this case, outweigh the benefits associated with the death penalty. In a world where people cry for social justice, there has to be a readiness to take full responsibility for taking a life, especially where the life taken is that of an innocent individual. The death penalty has been proved ineffective in most cases where discrimination is apparent, especially in the US despite being a democracy. The criminal justice system also fails to recognize the circumstances in which a homicide occurred, leading to women’s wrongful convictions on violent marriages. They are also devalued, and the events under which they save themselves from abusive spouses are always ignored. Maintaining the death penalty negates the promoting quality of life and the development of justice across the world.

Works Cited

Amnesty International. “The Death Penalty, Answered.” Amnesty International , 2020, Web.

Bibi, Sughra, Qian Hongdao, Najeeb Ullah, and Muhammad Bilawal Khaskheli. “Excessive Use of Death Penalty as Stoppage Tool for Terrorism: Wrongful Death Executions In Pakistan.” JL Pol’y & Globalization, vol. 81, 2019, pp. 42-52. IISTE.

Chen, Daniel L. “The Deterrent Effect of the Death Penalty? Evidence From British Commutations During World War I.” Evidence from British Commutations During World War I, 2017, pp. 1-140. SSRN.

Lourtau, Delphine, and Sharon Pia Hickey. Judged For More Than Her Crime: A Global Overview of Women Facing the Death Penalty. Cornell Law School, 2018.

Mbah, Ruth Endam, Tanisha Pruitt, and Divine Forcha Wasum. “Cruel Choice: The Ethics and Morality of the Death Penalty.” Research on Humanities and Social Sciences , vol. 9, no. 24, 2019, pp. 14-22. IISTE.

McFarland, Torin. “The Death Penalty vs. Life Incarceration: A Financial Analysis.” Susquehanna University Political Review vol. 7, no. 1, 2016, 46-87. SAGE Journals.

Muramatsu, Kanji, David T. Johnson, and Koiti Yano. “The Death Penalty and Homicide Deterrence in Japan.” Punishment & Society vol. 20 no. 4, 2018, pp. 432-457. SAGE Journals .

Nagelsen, Susan, and Charles Huckelbury. “The Death Penalty and Human Dignity: An Existential Fallacy.” Laws, vol. 5, no. 25, 2016, pp. 1-5. MDPI.

Sethuraju, Raj, Jason Sole, and Brian E. Oliver. “Understanding Death Penalty Support and Opposition among Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Students.” SAGE Open, vol. 6, no. 1, 2016, pp. 1-15. SAGE Journals .

Steiker, Carol S., and Jordan M. Steiker. “The American Death Penalty and the (in) Visibility of Race.” The University of Chicago Law Review , 2015, pp. 243-294.

Tortorice, Marla D. “Costs Versus Benefits: The Fiscal Realities of the Death Penalty in Pennsylvania.” U. Pitt. L. Rev. vol. 78, 2016, pp. 519-555. ULS.

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The death penalty, a cruel and irreversible punishment, must be abolished

The+death+penalty+has+been+part+of+justice+systems+throughout+the+world+for+centuries%2C+but+this+does+not+mean+that+it+is+still+acceptable+in+the+world+today%2C+writes+Assistant+Editor+Adrianna+Nehme.

Midway staff

The death penalty has been part of justice systems throughout the world for centuries, but this does not mean that it is still acceptable in the world today, writes Assistant Editor Adrianna Nehme.

Adrianna Nehme , Assistant Editor January 8, 2021

“I’m sorry are the only words I can say that captures how I feel now and how I felt that day.” The blinds of the green room were lifted, and Brandon Bernard’s words filled the space as he lay strapped on a gurney, awaiting his execution for murder on Dec. 10, 2020. At 9:27 p.m., the blinds were lowered, and Mr. Bernard was pronounced dead. Less than 24 hours later, Alfred Bourgeois, convicted for murder, underwent this same routine, becoming the 1,529th person to be executed in the United States since 1976.

 The death penalty has been part of justice systems throughout the world for centuries, but this does not mean that it is still acceptable in the world today. The act of ending someone’s life as punishment for their actions is a cruel and ineffective way of achieving justice, and therefore, the abolishment of the death penalty is necessary.

According to the Associated Press , no scientific evidence exists to support the statement that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on crime; the death penatly solely endorses a continued cycle of violence. Mr. Bernard spent his time on death row educating other individuals and emphasizing the importance of not hanging out with the wrong crowd. He is just one example of a prisoner who was able to use the lessons he learned from his experience to guide others away from a life of crime. Sparing a criminal’s life could be beneficial in preventing further crimes, and their first-hand experiences can assist others. 

To deter crime, one must focus on addressing the root causes of criminality, not just on increasing punishment. Inequality, access to education and lack of family support are some neglected issues that, if addressed, could improve conditions in communities and the lives of people in them. Clifford R. Shaw and Henry D. McKay, social scientists at the University of Chicago, found that inner city zones of Chicago had high delinquency rates compared to outer areas of Chicago, regardless of which ethnic group lived there. They attributed this to the Social Disorganization Theor y : weak social institutions such as school and family results in a weakening of the strength of social bonds. More money must therefore be spent on programs, such as family preservation programs, that are based in these inner city zones to reduce crime, especially youth violence.

Unlike other forms of punishment, the death penalty isn’t reversible; in the United States where the rate of error is high, many of the accused face the consequences of poorly conducted investigations and tainted evidence. If evidence is revealed in the future that changes the outcome of the investigation, nothing can be done to bring back an innocent individual. David Keaton , Anthony Ray Hinton and Sabrina Butler were all innocent individuals sentenced to death. Although they were exonerated years later, hundreds of other innocent people have been wrongly convicted and executed in the United States. According to a National Academy of Sciences study from 2014, at least 4.1% of defendants sentenced to death in the United States were not guilty of the crimes.  

The death penalty disproportionately affects certain groups of people such as people of color and the poor. In addition to being falsely convicted, Mr. Keaton, Mr. Hinton and Ms. Butler were people of color. Data from the Death Penalty Information Center shows how people of color have been overrepresented. In 2019, 52% of individuals on death row were Black. According to the Associated Press , after 1977, 295 Black individuals were executed for killing a white victim whereas only 21 white defendants were executed for killing a Black victim. 

According to The United Nations Human Rights Council , those who are poor have a higher chance of receiving a death sentence than the rich. The poor serve as an easy target for police; they are unable to afford a lawyer, and the provided public legal counselors are often inferior, so as a result, their defense is often weaker. Some legal aid systems also only appear during the trials, which means the defendants are interrogated without a lawyer. 

A justice system that believes in redemption and forgiveness is a far more effective and humane one than a system that prides itself in capital punishment.

 Lisa Montgomery, Cory Johnson and Dustin Higgs will be executed before president-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration.  Biden pledged to pass legislation that eliminates the death penalty at the federal level. He will incentivize states to follow the federal government.

Every individual is more than the crimes they’ve committed. Considering that all human beings are capable of change, everyone should have the opportunity to improve themselves rather than having their life ended early. A justice system that believes in redemption and forgiveness is a far more effective and humane one than a system that prides itself in capital punishment. Individuals can join groups such as the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty to access further resources and help abolish the death penalty.

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Opinion The death penalty: An American sickness that just won’t die

essay on is the death penalty effective

Anyone anxious about America’s languishing innovative spirit can take comfort in its execution chambers. For in these spaces, the country has no shortage of ideas to extend its practice of killing inmates.

Last month in Alabama, Kenneth Eugene Smith became the first person in the nation ever executed with nitrogen gas .

Witnesses say that Smith, convicted of the murder of Elizabeth Sennett in 1988, “ shook and writhed on a gurney ” for two minutes, after which he gasped for breath for several minutes as he suffocated to death. Alabama Department of Corrections Commissioner John Hamm assured people at a news conference afterward that the execution had gone exactly as planned, and that nothing about Smith’s death was “out of the ordinary.”

Nothing — if you find the state killing of citizens ordinary.

So successful was Smith’s convulsing death that several Republicans in Ohio quickly introduced a bill to begin the practice in their own state. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall was happy to offer his assistance : “Alabama has done it, and now so can you.”

The nitrogen gas method was necessary because it has become increasingly difficult for jurisdictions to acquire the deadly cocktails of sedatives and heart-stopping toxins needed for lethal injections. For some reason, the drug manufacturers needed to produce the chemicals have been more interested in marketing themselves as promoters of health than as merchants of death.

With the shortage of these chemicals becoming ever more acute, criminal justice officials have been devising creative methods to dispose of human beings on death row. The Justice Department under President Donald Trump contemplated using fentanyl , the powerful opioid fueling the country’s overdose epidemic . Tennessee reinstated the electric chair as its default method if lethal injection is unavailable. Some Republicans have even sought to bring back firing squads . (In Utah, inmates have the luxury of being able to elect this as their means of expiration.)

The number of public executions in the United States — after falling precipitously in the past few decades — has started ticking upward in the past two years . The death penalty, it seems, is just too embedded in America’s DNA to go away.

Support for the practice has been on the downtrend, but most Americans still approve of it. This is largely thanks to Republicans, who, despite momentarily wavering on government-sanctioned death during the Obama years, have regained their confidence in it. In Gallup’s most recent survey , 81 percent of Republicans said they favor the death penalty.

Even the Biden administration is reacting to the issue with a shrug. President Biden campaigned on eliminating the death penalty, saying he would “incentivize” states to follow his lead. But his Justice Department believes that his promise has room for exceptions. Last month, it announced it is seeking the death penalty for the white supremacist who in 2022 killed 10 people at a grocery store in Buffalo.

Moral consistency, it seems, is overrated.

Keep in mind that the United States resides in a lonely space among Western democracies. Almost all its peers abandoned use of capital punishment decades ago, owing to its barbaric nature.

The case against the death penalty centers on a simple fact: It is cruel and therefore should be barred by the Constitution. It is inconsistently applied and often carried out poorly, such that people endure torturous deaths. The Death Penalty Information Center reports that lethal injections are botched 7 percent of the time. This is made worse by the abhorrent rate of wrongful convictions in the United States (one 2014 study put it at about 4 percent for death-sentenced defendants).

Supporters have long trotted out dubious rationales for the practice, such as its importance in discouraging crime. (The United States’ sky-high homicide rate compared with countries without capital punishment contradicts this notion.) Some have expressed anxieties about the costs of incarcerating individuals for a lifetime — better to kill people than spend too much on them! (Turns out, executing people is more expensive .) Embedded in all this is the contention that it is possible to kill people humanely (an oxymoron).

More recently, however, the bulk of rhetoric in favor has relied on vapid emotional appeals. When then-Attorney General William P. Barr lifted the federal moratorium on executions in 2019, he argued, “We owe it to the victims and their families to carry forward the sentence imposed by our justice system.” Alabama’s Marshall celebrated the suffocation of Smith as a way for his victim’s family and friends to “find long-awaited peace and closure.”

As if the only way to bring peace to victims and their loved ones is through more violence and death.

This is an oversimplified view of justice — one most of the developed world has soundly rejected. That the United States seems to be doubling down on it, in the year 2024, is a sign of a deeper sickness that makes a mockery of the principle that all life is sacred.

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essay on is the death penalty effective

Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Human Rights — Death Penalty

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Argumentative Essays on Death Penalty

It's difficult to write about the complex and often controversial subject of the death penalty. Selecting an engaging and personally resonant essay topic is crucial for a successful academic endeavor. We emphasize the importance of creativity in this process and aims to make the information accessible to students of varying academic levels. Let's embark on this journey together, exploring topics that not only challenge but also expand our understanding and critical thinking skills.

Essay Topics by Type

Below, you'll find a curated list of essay topics categorized by type, each with a distinct focus ranging from technology and society to personal growth and academic interests.

Argumentative Essay Topics

  • The Morality of the Death Penalty: Is it a justified form of punishment?
  • Cost Implications: Comparing the economic impact of the death penalty versus life imprisonment.
  • Effectiveness as a Deterrent: Does the death penalty truly deter crime?

Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

  • Death Penalty Practices Worldwide: How different countries approach capital punishment.
  • Historical vs. Modern Perspectives: The evolution of the death penalty in the legal system.

Descriptive Essay Topics

  • A Day in the Life: Describing the process of a death penalty case from verdict to execution.
  • Public Perception: How media representations influence views on the death penalty.

Persuasive Essay Topics

  • Abolition Arguments: Persuading against the continuation of the death penalty in modern society.
  • Rehabilitation over Retribution: The case for prioritizing rehabilitation for criminals.

Narrative Essay Topics

  • Personal Testimony: Narratives from families affected by the death penalty.
  • Life on Death Row: A day in the life of a death row inmate, based on real accounts and research.

Introduction Paragraphs

Each essay topic comes with a suggested introductory paragraph to kickstart your writing process.

The Morality of the Death Penalty

In the debate over the death penalty, the crux of the argument often revolves around its moral standing. This essay will explore the multifaceted dimensions of capital punishment, questioning its justification as a punitive measure. Thesis Statement: Despite its intention to serve justice, the death penalty raises significant ethical concerns, challenging the principles of human rights and dignity.

Death Penalty Practices Worldwide

Capital punishment varies significantly across different cultural and legal landscapes. This essay aims to compare and contrast the application of the death penalty in various countries, shedding light on the global diversity of justice. Thesis Statement: A comparative analysis reveals profound differences in ethical, legal, and procedural frameworks governing the death penalty, reflecting broader societal values and norms.

Conclusion Paragraphs

Concluding paragraphs are crafted to summarize the main points and reinforce the thesis, adding a final reflection or call to action.

This essay has traversed the ethical landscape surrounding the death penalty, examining its complex implications on society and the justice system. The evidence suggests that the moral costs of capital punishment far outweigh its purported benefits. Final Reflection: In the pursuit of a more humane and just society, abolishing the death penalty emerges as a necessary step forward.

Through a comparative lens, we have explored the diverse approaches to the death penalty, revealing a spectrum of global attitudes towards justice and punishment. These differences underscore the influence of cultural, legal, and ethical considerations in shaping capital punishment policies. Call to Action: It is imperative for nations to reevaluate their stance on the death penalty in light of international human rights standards.

Death Penalty: Annotated Bibliography Sample

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Pro Death Penalty: Uncovering The Good Side in The Evil

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The death penalty, known as capital punishment, refers to the act of carrying out the prescribed execution of a convicted offender who has been sentenced to death by a court of law for committing a criminal offense.

The history of the death penalty stretches back thousands of years. Its origins can be traced to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, where various forms of execution were practiced, including hanging, beheading, and stoning. Throughout history, the death penalty has been used by different societies as a means of punishment for a range of offenses. In medieval Europe, the death penalty became more prevalent, with common methods including burning at the stake, drawing and quartering, and hanging. The practice was often carried out publicly as a form of deterrence and to demonstrate the power of the ruling authority. Over time, there have been shifts in public opinion and legal systems regarding the death penalty. In the 18th century, the Enlightenment era brought forth ideas of human rights and the reformation of justice systems, leading to calls for the abolition of cruel and excessive punishments. In the modern era, many countries have abolished the death penalty, considering it a violation of human rights and the right to life. However, the death penalty remains in practice in several countries around the world, albeit with varying degrees of usage and controversy.

Iran, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Syria, United States, Japan, Taiwan, China, India, North Korea, Singapore, Iraq, Vietnam, Yemen, Somalia, Bangladesh, South Sudan, etc.

Hanging, shooting, lethal injection, beheading, stoning, inert gas asphyxiation, electrocution and gas inhalation.

Furman v. Georgia: In 1972, this groundbreaking legal case had a profound impact on the death penalty in the United States. The Supreme Court's decision resulted in a temporary suspension of capital punishment across the nation. The ruling declared that the arbitrary application of the death penalty violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the Constitution. Consequently, states were compelled to revise their death penalty laws in order to address concerns of arbitrariness and ensure a fairer application of the ultimate punishment. The Troy Davis case: Troy Davis, who was convicted of murder in Georgia in 1991, garnered international attention and raised substantial doubts about the fairness and accuracy of the death penalty. Despite maintaining his innocence until his execution in 2011, his case shed light on issues such as the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the potential for racial bias within the criminal justice system, and the inherent risk of wrongful convictions.

Public opinion on the death penalty is diverse and varies across different countries and cultures. However, there are several common trends and perspectives. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it serves as a deterrent to crime and provides justice for victims and their families. They believe that certain crimes warrant the ultimate punishment and that the death penalty acts as a form of retribution. On the other hand, opponents of the death penalty raise concerns about its morality, effectiveness, and potential for wrongful convictions. They argue that capital punishment violates the right to life, promotes violence, and is irreversible in cases of wrongful execution. Many argue that the justice system is fallible and prone to errors, raising questions about the reliability and fairness of capital punishment. Public opinion on the death penalty has been shifting in some countries, with a growing trend towards abolition. Factors such as evolving societal values, concerns about human rights, and the recognition of the potential for errors and biases within the justice system have contributed to changing perspectives.

1. Deterrence. 2. Retribution. 3. Justice for victims. 4. Cost-effectiveness. 5. Upholding societal values.

1. Irreversibility. 2. Human rights. 3. Ineffectiveness as a deterrent. 4. Racial and socioeconomic biases. 5. Moral and ethical considerations.

The topic of the death penalty is of paramount importance due to its profound implications on society, justice, and human rights. It raises fundamental questions about punishment, ethics, and the role of the state in administering justice. The death penalty sparks intense debates on multiple fronts, including its effectiveness as a deterrent, the potential for wrongful convictions, and the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing. Examining the death penalty forces us to confront inherent biases and flaws within the criminal justice system, such as racial and socioeconomic disparities in sentencing. It prompts discussions on the irreversibility of capital punishment and the risks of executing innocent individuals. Moreover, it demands an exploration of alternative approaches to punishment, rehabilitation, and the potential for reforming criminal justice systems.

The topic of the death penalty is highly relevant and worth exploring in an essay for students due to its interdisciplinary nature and profound societal impact. Writing an essay on this subject provides an opportunity for students to delve into complex ethical, legal, and social issues. Studying the death penalty encourages critical thinking and analysis of the justice system, including questions about fairness, human rights, and the potential for error. It prompts students to examine the moral implications of state-sanctioned killing and grapple with issues of punishment and rehabilitation. Furthermore, researching the death penalty enables students to explore the historical and cultural aspects of capital punishment, analyzing its evolution and variations across different societies. They can investigate case studies, legal precedents, and empirical evidence to evaluate the effectiveness, equity, and potential biases associated with the death penalty.

1. In 2020, Amnesty International reported that at least 483 executions were carried out in 18 countries worldwide. The top five executing countries were China, Iran, Egypt, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. 2. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, as of April 2021, 185 innocent individuals have been exonerated and released from death row in the United States since 1973. 3. The United States is among the few Western democracies that still retain the death penalty. However, its use has significantly declined over the years. In 2020, the country recorded the lowest number of executions (17) in nearly three decades.

1. Donohue III, J. J., & Wolfers, J. (2009). Estimating the impact of the death penalty on murder. American Law and Economics Review, 11(2), 249-309. (https://academic.oup.com/aler/article-abstract/11/2/249/232287) 2. Goldberg, A. J., & Dershowitz, A. M. (1970). Declaring the death penalty unconstitutional. Harvard Law Review, 1773-1819. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/1339687) 3. Soss, J., Langbein, L., & Metelko, A. R. (2003). Why do white Americans support the death penalty?. The Journal of Politics, 65(2), 397-421. (https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1111/1468-2508.t01-2-00006) 4. Banner, S. (2022). The death penalty. In The Death Penalty. Harvard University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.4159/9780674020511/html) 5. Hoyle, C. (2008). Death Penalty. In Elgar Encyclopedia of Human Rights. Edward Elgar Publishing. (https://www.elgaronline.com/display/book/9781789903621/b-9781789903621.death.penalty.xml) 6. Radelet, M. L., & Borg, M. J. (2000). The changing nature of death penalty debates. Annual Review of Sociology, 26(1), 43-61. (https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/abs/10.1146/annurev.soc.26.1.43) 7. Vidmar, N., & Ellsworth, P. (1973). Public opinion and the death penalty. Stan. L. Rev., 26, 1245. (https://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?handle=hein.journals/stflr26&div=63&id=&page=) 8. Donohue, J. J., & Wolfers, J. (2006). Uses and abuses of empirical evidence in the death penalty debate. (https://www.nber.org/papers/w11982) 9. Ellsworth, P. C., & Gross, S. R. (1994). Hardening of the attitudes: Americans' views on the death penalty. Journal of social Issues, 50(2), 19-52. (https://spssi.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1994.tb02409.x) 10. Wolfgang, M. E., & Riedel, M. (1973). Race, judicial discretion, and the death penalty. The Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, 407(1), 119-133. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/000271627340700110)

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essay on is the death penalty effective

Persuasive Essay Writing

Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

Cathy A.

Craft an Effective Argument: Examples of Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

Published on: Jan 27, 2023

Last updated on: Jan 29, 2024

Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty

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No matter what topic we're discussing, there is usually a range of opinions and viewpoints on the issues. 

But when it comes to more serious matters like the death penalty, creating an effective argument can become tricky. 

Although this topic may be difficult to tackle, you can still write an engaging persuasive essay to convey your point.

In this blog post, we'll explore how you can use examples of persuasive essays on death penalty topics.

So put your rhetorical skills to the test, and let’s dive right into sample essays and tips. 

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What Do We Mean by a Persuasive Essay?

A persuasive essay is a type of writing that attempts to persuade the reader or audience.

This essay usually presents an argument supported by evidence and examples. The main aim is to convince the reader or audience to take action or accept a certain viewpoint. 

Persuasive essays may be written from a neutral or biased perspective and contain personal opinions.

To do this, you must provide clear reasoning and evidence to support your argument. Persuasive essays can take many forms, including speeches, letters, articles, and opinion pieces. 

It is important to consider the audience when writing a persuasive essay. The language used should be tailored to their understanding of the topic. 

Read our comprehensive guide on persuasive essays to know all about crafting excellent essays.

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Let's move on to some examples so that you can better understand this topic.

Persuasive Essay About Death Penalty Examples

Are you feeling stuck with the task of writing a persuasive essay about the death penalty? 

Looking for some examples to get your ideas flowing? 

You’re in luck — we’ve got just the thing! Take a look at these free downloadable examples.

Example of a Persuasive essay about death penalty

Persuasive essay about death penalty in the Philippines

Short Persuasive essay about death penalty

Persuasive essay about death penalty should be abolished

The death penalty pros and cons essay

Looking for some more examples on persuasive essays? Check out our blog about persuasive essay examples !

Argumentative Essay About Death Penalty Examples 

We have compiled some of the best examples to help you start crafting your essay.

These examples will provide dynamic perspectives and insights from real-world legal cases to personal essays. 

Have a look at them to get inspired!!

Argumentative essay about death penalty in the Philippines

Argumentative essay about death penalty with introduction body conclusion

Argumentative essay about death penalty should be abolished

Argumentative essay about death penalty conclusion

6 Tips To Write an A+ Persuasive Essay

We know it can be daunting to compose a perfect essay that effectively conveys your point of view to your readers. Worry no more. 

Simply follow these 6 tips, and you will be on your way to a perfect persuasive essay.

1. Understand the assignment and audience

 Before you start writing your essay, you must understand what type of essay you are being asked to write. Who your target audience should be?

Make sure you know exactly what you’re arguing for and against, as this will help shape your essay's content.

2. Brainstorm and research

Once you understand the topic better, brainstorm ideas that support your argument.

During this process, be sure to do additional research on any unfamiliar points or topics.

3. Create an outline

After doing your initial research, create an outline for your essay that includes all the main points you want to make. 

This will help keep your thoughts organized and ensure you cover all the necessary points cohesively.

Check out our extensive guide on persuasive essay outlines to master the art of creating essays.

4. Make an argument

Use persuasive language and techniques to construct your essay. Strong evidence, such as facts and statistics, can also help to strengthen your argument.

5. Edit and revise 

Before you submit your essay, take the time to edit and revise it carefully. 

This will ensure that your argument is clear and concise and that there are no grammar or spelling errors.

6. Get feedback

Lastly, consider asking someone else to read over your essay before you submit it.

Feedback from another person can help you see any weaknesses in your argument or areas that need improvement. 

Summing up, 

Writing a persuasive essay about the death penalty doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these examples and tips, you can be sure to write an essay that will impress your teacher.

Whether it’s an essay about the death penalty or any other controversial topic, you can ace it with these steps! 

Remember, the key is to be creative and organized in your writing!

Don't have time to write your essay? 

Don't stress! Leave it to us! Our persuasive essay writing service is here to help! 

Contact the team of experts at our essay writing service. We can help you write a creative, well-organized, and engaging essay for the reader. 

Our persuasive essay writer will write the best essay for you at affordable rates! Moreover, we provide free revisions and other exclusive perks!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most persuasive argument for the death penalty.

The most persuasive argument for the death penalty is that it is a deterrent to violent crime. 

The idea is that by punishing criminals, other potential criminals will be less likely to act out of fear of similar punishment.

How do you start a persuasive speech on the death penalty?

When starting a persuasive speech on the death penalty, begin by introducing and defining the topic. Provide an overview of the controversial issue. 

Outline your points and arguments clearly, including evidence to support your position. 

What are good topics for persuasive essays?

Good topics for persuasive essays include 

  • Whether or not the death penalty is a fair punishment for violent crime
  • Whether harsher punishments will reduce crime rates
  • Will capital punishment is worth the costs associated with it
  • How rehabilitation should be taken into consideration when dealing with criminals.

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essay on is the death penalty effective

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Death Penalty

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Argument: Is the Death Penalty Effective? Argumentative Essay

Argument: Is the Death Penalty Effective? Argumentative Essay

The death penalty gives closure to the victims of families who have endured the tragedy that many of us fear the most. When someone Is executed who killed a family member, vengeance is a part of the emotions that everyone feels. Families of murder victims would get a sense of closure knowing the person who took the life of their loved one would not be afforded the same opportunity again. The void they had for so long would seem to be filled. When the perpetrator is finally put to death, It Is somewhat a personal revenge In my mind; most people Just want to see the person suffer like the victim did.

Our Justice system always shows more sympathy for criminals rather than victims, when criminals on death row have more than likely committed many crimes, and should be put to death. It also creates another form of crime deterrent. Crime would be out of control If there wasn’t some way to stop people from committing the acts that they do. Televised executions actually deter crime even more because people often react more to what they see rather than what they Imagine. People fear nothing more than death. If somebody knows he or she Is risking death for committing a crime, he or she may think twice before doing so.

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It provides a deterrent for prisoners already serving a life sentence. Many prisoners still kill In prison, even when they have a life sentence, and sometimes this Is the only way to stop them. There Is an overpopulation of prisoners In America, and many facilities don’t have enough resources or space, making the death penalty a great option to reduce overcrowding. It makes the criminals understand they will be held accountable for their actions. We have to find WAP so they won’t allow the Jury to convict them and let them off the hook.

We need ways to keep our prisons from coming overcrowded and endangering the officers who work there. Just Imagine a criminal breaking Into your house and killing your whole family; would you want that person to live the rest of his or her life In Jail, getting free meals and having a roof over their head, and a TV In their cell? I would rather that person be killed than living a long life off my hard earned money! The death penalty Is effective because It protects the rest of the community from criminals, It teaches people not to Involve themselves In crime, and It gives Justice to the vellums.

Argument Essay: Is the Death Penalty Effective ? By enfolded tragedy that many of us fear the most. When someone is executed who killed a family so long would seem to be filled. When the perpetrator is finally put to death, it is somewhat a personal revenge in my mind; most people Just want to see the person of crime deterrent. Crime would be out of control if there wasn’t some way to stop they imagine. People fear nothing more than death. If somebody knows he or she is still kill in prison, even when they have a life sentence, and sometimes this is the only way to stop them.

There is an overpopulation of prisoners in America, and many accountable for their actions. We have to find ways so they won’t allow the Jury to imagine a criminal breaking into your house and killing your whole family; would you want that person to live the rest of his or her life in Jail, getting free meals and having a roof over their head, and a TV in their cell? I would rather that person be killed than living a long life off my hard earned money! The death penalty is effective because it protects the rest of the community from criminals, it teaches people not to involve themselves in crime, and it gives Justice to the victims.

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Is the death penalty effective argumentative.

I'm for the death penalty because I believe intentionally taking another human beings life then, yours should be taken also. If the death penalty was not enforced the criminal would still be living with the satisfaction of killing someone. Although, they are locked up in prison for the rest of their life, they're still being

Reasoned Argument on the Death Penalty’s Job

The concept of using medicine to induce sanity before a death penalty is cruel in one point of view and just in another. In the ruling of the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in Arkansas that allow the government to use force to return sanity to the man sentenced to the death penalty is, as

The International and Domestic Legislation on the Death Penalty and Its Pros and Cons Side of the Argument

The debate over the death penalty has been one that has been around for decades. But despite this, it is still frequently carried out in developed countries such as The United Stated and in Middle Eastern countries. There have been legislations put in place. Both internationally and domestically- to address its use and arguments have

Yes to Death Penalty in the Philippines Argumentative Essay

Cases occur every second, whether in the country or worldwide, causing people to question justice and bringing problems and suffering, particularly for victims. The death penalty is carried out using an electric chair, where proven suspects or criminals are executed by electricity within seconds. Being predominantly Catholic, the Philippines strictly upholds moral standards. As a teenager,

Thesis statement pro death penalty Argumentative Essay

There Is nothing more final than death. As such before we decide such a major Issue as the Death Penalty we better be sure of what we are doing! Superficially it may seem very simple – you kill therefore you should die – but is it really that simple? Let’s take a closer look…. In

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As this present days the rates of crimes are Increasing Like kidnapping, murder, rape, car-napping, riding In tandem, drug smuggling and many more. This gruesome crimes has been done by the criminal without any hesitation. Why? Because they know that the capital punishment of the Philippines was light. Criminal knows that If they committed a

Death penalty thesis statement Argumentative Essay

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Is The Death Penalty Effective

“Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them? Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement.” (Tolkien, 1954) Majority of America have their own strong beliefs as to whether capital punishment should remain in todays society. Those who oppose the death penalty

Death to the Death Penalty

The death penalty has been around as far back as the Bible times. Perhaps even later. It hasn’t been until the last century or so that its ethicality has been questioned. As of now, every single country in Europe except Belarus has abolished the death penalty and this is actually a prerequisite to enter the

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Is the Death Penalty Effective

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This paper focuses on whether or not capital punishment is effective and righteous. This is to be done from a biblical perspective and a research perspective based on whether or not capital punishment deters crime. Based on the purpose of this paper the definition of Capital punishment “refers to the process of sentencing convicted offenders to death for the most serious crimes (capital crimes) and carrying out that sentence. The specific offenses and circumstances which determine if a crime (usually murder) is eligible for a death sentence.” (Capital Punishment Statistics)

20 The waters rose and covered the mountains to a depth of more than fifteen cubits. 21 Every living thing that moved on land perished—birds, livestock, wild animals, all the creatures that swarm over the earth, and all mankind. 22 Everything on dry land that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. 23 Every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out; people and animals and the creatures that move along the ground and the birds were wiped from the earth. Only Noah was left, and those with him in the ark.” (Genesis 7-17:23 NIV). God cleansed the land and spared only the righteous, it seems only fitting that this is the model that should be followed. It can also be said that God is merciful, and that Jesus dies for our sins, both of which are true, however, when it comes to heinous crimes, capital punishment should be enforced and that can be seen and modeled for in the Bible as well-for serious crimes capital punishment was used and enforced. Appointed judges made those decisions.

  • 1 How should a Christian view the death penalty?
  • 2 Current Statistics and Effectiveness of the Death Penalty
  • 3 Conclusion

How should a Christian view the death penalty?

God has instituted capital punishment in His Word; and has given government the authority to institute capital punishment which states “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed, for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). The Old Testament law commanded the death penalty for various acts: murder, adultery, homosexuality, false prophets, promiscuity-see Exodus 21-22, Leviticus 20, and Deuteronomy 13. (BibleGateway)

It is not something to be happy about when someone dies, even someone who has done wrong, as it is a lost soul from the perspective of a Christian. However, in that same token, a Christian should also not be fighting against the governments God given right to institute the death penalty. Christians should educate others as to what the Bible does teach about sin, salvation, and the capital punishment. Division among the effectiveness and righteousness of the death penalty is not just between geographical regions, political lines, races, but also religion and even Christian denominations. Not many people are excited about death or excited to institute death as a penalty which is why the rates of death penalties as a punishment and those on death row are not very high in comparison to the population of the United States.

Current Statistics and Effectiveness of the Death Penalty

The rates of actual executions seem to be moving at a snail’s pace. According to Capital Punishment Statistics “at year-end 2016, a total of 32 states and the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) held 2,814 prisoners under sentence of death, which was 58 (2%) fewer than at year-end 2015.” In relation to the total population of the United States, this is an extremely small percentage, and seems many are getting off with a so-called slap on the wrist, life sentences all of which the United States government cannot continue to sustain from a financial perspective and our innocents cannot be allowed to be targeted as repeat victims any longer. In 2016, the number of prisoners under sentence of death decreased for the sixteenth consecutive year. (Capital Punishment Statistics) Five states executed a total of 20 prisoners in 2016, with Georgia and Texas accounting for 80% of executions. (Capital Punishment Statistics).

Based on this statistic, it can be inferred that the majority of the executions are done in the south. About 2000 men, women, and teenagers currently wait on America’s ‘death row.’ (Santa Clara University). For those that are on death row and have had a chance to appeal their case thoroughly, then execution should follow; the innocent men, women and children should not be put at risk. The people of America when thinking of capital punishment must also think about the victims that have suffered so egregiously; are the lives of the murders and rapists to be favored over the lives of those who cannot even protect themselves such as children? These are true questions up for discussion, if risks are to be made, let it not be on the innocent.

In the United States many people believe that the death penalty is not righteous and is wrong, that all persons must be protected regardless of their wrongdoings or sins. Some may even site when Jesus showed mercy to David when he committed adultery or to the woman who was caught in the act of adultery when the pharisees brought her before him and asked him to stone her, yet he showed mercy. It is true, Jesus did show mercy and sometimes our earthly judges show mercy. However, there are times when capital punishment must be enforced. Currently prisons are overpopulated, and criminals continue to be repeat offenders. There is no seeming consistent deterrent to criminal behavior of felony crimes such as rape, murder, and child abuse. Consistent capital punishment would be effective if instituted across America.

As mentioned above, the Lord did institute capital punishment Himself, so it would be untrue to state that capital punishment is unrighteous. It is not completely clear on a wholistic level yet if capital punishment is effective on a national level until that implementation takes effect. However, the rates of criminals coming back to prison is increasing and the budgets for prison systems are skyrocketing. Holding prisoners on death row for crimes such as murder for years upon years is not effective or sensible for any involved.

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  • Death Penalty Essays

Is the death penalty effective? Essay

Our society today is surrounded with many issues, among those all extremely important issues, one issue that has become very popular and is a reason of tension today in the society is whether the death punishment justified and valid penalty or not. Whenever the death penalty issue is brought into light, both the parties linked with the death punishment present their arguments along with raising their voices. Where for one party prevention is demanded along with justice and punishment, the other party is trying to execute the innocent man or they want murder to be executed as the final decision.

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Our society is surrounded by a high rate of crime and everyone is well aware of the fact that something needs to be done in order to avoid this and eliminate this forever. The threat which is associated with this is something which everyone is aware but the main reason of concern is whether the methods and ways to deal with these things are correct or not and whether these things should be dealt together or separately.

Talking particularly about the death penalty, it is applicable to those people who have committed a lot of crimes and a variety of bad deeds in several parts of the world starting from the ancient Babylon to the current situation in America. Death penalty was used in a more liberal manner in Roman Empire along with the churches of the middle ages. Capital punishment which includes the death sentence being legally allowed punishment is something which is efficient along with being acceptable mean of eliminating crime. Talking about the current situation, death punishment is majorly restricted to crimes like murder and other terrible crimes. People have various arguments to present regarding the effectiveness and also morals of such an insensitive sentence.

The existence of Death penalty is considered to be a harsh statement and it was firstly challenged by the Eighth amendment violation according to which cruel and unusual punishments were not to be given specially in US. The reason was associated with punishment being something which is a legal way of being a cause of someone’s sufferings and thus they are cruel and inhuman. It is not something which is unusual though as the history is majorly associated with it. Not giving proper and harsh punishments will give people a chance to take advantage of the leniency and hence commit crimes which are beneficial for them though they are a source of pain and loss for others.

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The main purpose of the criminal justice system is basically to safeguard the rights of liberty, property and also life of the citizens. In order to perform this task it is important to make sure that the punishment given to criminals is strict and harsh enough to threaten the potential criminals and so they are aware of the fact that they cannot commit crime that easily in the State. If we see this point of view death penalty is effective and it makes sense. This punishment is something which actually makes the criminal realize how bad his crime was and it eliminates the criminals from repeating it and is a lesson for people.

Murder punishment is majorly decreasing day by day as judge can also choose the option of passing a verdict for life in prison but then the person can get a bail in ten to fifteen years and incase of no parole option the criminal would have to stay in jail for a longer period of time but then the prisoner becomes the responsibility of the state. A criminal or a murderer can be out and become even more dangerous. We cannot trust the thieves and murderers if that the court will let them out in ten years or take care of them for like twenty years and then set them free. The criminals are thus not afraid if such punishments anymore as they know that they will at least not die.

Punishment is basically given out to spread justice and teach a lesson to the people doing bad and making them stay away from such acts. The point is not to give death punishment to everyone but it surely is an effective way of giving punishment and teaching them a lesson along with other potential wrong doers a lesson. Criminals have stopped fearing the court and the judicial system of the country just because death statements are not given; these people know they will get out of the jail. How can a society be free from crimes if the criminals are not scared of killing anyone or stealing anything as the law is something which does not scare them?

Jail or punishment does not scare them anymore. Death is something which scares men as they do not want to die. There are men who are killing other innocent people but they themselves are aware of death. It is extremely important to control such animals. If such people are not sentenced to death they will come out again so they can kill other innocent people. It is not that death punishment is an effective form of punishing people for all the crimes but yes it is something which should be considered and kept in mind as an option so that it can be used against people who do not fear the law and also people who are afraid of death but are constantly breaking the law and are a source of pain and loss for others.

Court is trying to protect the rights of the accused specially their families and also the victims who gets lost during the proceeding of the court. Media is therefore towards those who have lost their loved one where as the accused party is protected by the law and it is also involved with lawyers.

Victims though can receive financial compensations but if death penalty is given to the murderer, the family can at least have this satisfaction that the cruel killer who killed their loved ones will not kill anyone again or anyone else will have to suffer again just like they have suffered. Such reasons make capital punishment an important form of punishment and thus something which is delivered and given out more frequently.

Death penalty is absolutely an effective form of punishment and their effectiveness is dependant majorly on the agreement of the official to use this punishment more liberally and also the government should exert their power in such cases. This can help in eliminating the crimes and also make criminals and citizens realize the importance of the law. This will make people stay away from the crimes and also the potential criminals would think twice before committing a crime as they would know that they would have to die in case they commit such crimes. Moral security can be gained by the citizens. As the Babylonian and also Roman empire used this method to eliminate crime and spread peace instead of going ahead and spending tax dollars which also belong to the society in keeping these prisoners and also guarding them.

People who are cruel and brutal in their actions and also are capable of repeating the brutal acts need to stopped and also a lesson should be taught to them. Death penalty or capital punishment is thus the best and perfect punishment which can be given.

The effectiveness of capital punishment is challenged by giving an argument that the death sentence can in a wrong way execute an innocent man. There is a possibility that maybe innocent man can be sent to prison or even fined but if an innocent person is sentenced to death that will be an extremely un fair act. Just for the threat of punishing an innocent person it is wrong to set free those brutal criminals who can be a source of problem and threat for others. This process can be made efficient by making law for properly investigating along with convicting someone for being involved in the death punishment.

The chances of innocent person being executed are less but the main concern is if the death sentence should be abolished just because there is possibility that an innocent man can be executed. It is important to understand the importance of lives being saved first and also eliminating the repeated murders. It is important to consider the stance of the innocent also the defender. It is not fair to risk the lives of people just because a wrong execution can take place. This practice is also considered to be acceptable as it saves the life of many innocent people and also save lives of many potential victims. There is also an argument that this kind of punishment is causing discrimination. Death penalty should be executed in a way that it is fair for everyone and is not a problem for people. Death penalty should not be bias towards people but should be equal for everyone, poor, rich, black and even white. It is very effective as it is beneficial for the country in realizing the result of the criminals and what they deserve. We should not eliminate capital punishment but court and country should properly execute it and give it to people who deserve it and criminals.

An Essay by Wesley Lowe. (2010, March 17). Death Penalty . Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http:/”Death Penalty and Sentencing Information in the United States.” Internet.

Capital Punishment, Cruel and Unusual. (2010, March 15). Nancy Jacobs, Alison Landes, and Mark A. Siegel. Capital Punishment, Cruel and Unusual?. Wylie: Information Plus, 1996.. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from Nancy Jacobs, Alison Landes, and Mark A. Siegel. Capital Punishment, Cruel and Unusual?. Wylie: Information Plus, 1996.

Costs of the Death Penalty | Death Penalty Information Center. (n.d.). Death Penalty Information Center. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=108

Death penalty is costly and ineffective no matter the case – The Daily Iowan. (n.d.).The Daily Iowan | Online Edition. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://www.dailyiowan.com/2012/02/16/Opinions/27024.html

Effectiveness of death penalty . (2013, March 10). Effectiveness of Death Penalty. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://old.usccb.org/deathpenalty/pdf/2009-03-dp-handout3.pdf

Is the Death Penalty Effective? « Anderson Issues. (n.d.). Anderson Issues. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://andersonissues.com/2010/11/05/is-the-death-penalty-effective/

Is the Death Penalty an Effective Deterrent to Crime? – Yahoo! Voices – voices.yahoo.com. (n.d.). Yahoo! Voices – voices.yahoo.com. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://voices.yahoo.com/is-death-penalty-effective-deterrent-crime-3173563.html

John. (n.d.). Is the Death Penalty effective? | Youth Voices. Today's Featured Discussions | Youth Voices. Retrieved March 10, 2013, from http://youthvoices.net/discussion/death-penalty-effective

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For and Against Death Penalty Essay

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Literature , Social Issues , Law, Crime & Punishment

Books , Human Rights , Judiciary

Crime and Punishment , Death Penalty , Types of Human Rights

  • Words: 909 (2 pages)

Is The Death Penalty Effective Way To Reduce Crime

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Table of Contents

Introduction, the flaws of death penalty as crime prevention, the cost of death penalty, death penalty: violation of human rights, the injustice of death penalty practice.

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    The death penalty used to be an effective way of reducing crime. Over the years the death penalty has cost our Justice system millions. Besides the cost, it violates our Human Rights Bill and punishes innocent people. The death penalty is not effective at reducing crime. Our society is not any safer and does not deter people from breaking the law.