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Capital punishment, also referred to as the death penalty, is a practice that gets sanctioned by the government where an individual is usually killed by a state as punishment for a crime committed. Despite the fact that the death penalty is enacted to deter other people from killing, it does not seem to fulfill this purpose. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, nearly 88% of experts reject the idea that the death penalty serves as a deterrent against murder. Research has shown that the fear of capital punishment has little impact on individuals who commit murder (Reckless, 2017). In essence, many murders arise from heated arguments rather than premeditated plans. It is unlikely that individuals contemplating murder think, “I will kill somebody today.” Instead, the reality is that many murders are committed impulsively, and the presence of capital punishment does not deter this behavior. The prevalence of murder cases in the United States justice system suggests that the message intended by the death penalty is not being heeded.

In various states, capital punishment is imposed for different offenses; in some, it applies to murder or terrorism, while in others, it pertains to drug-related offenses. Certain countries even execute individuals who were under 18 years of age at the time of their crime or those with intellectual and mental disabilities (Davidson, 2015). Furthermore, there are numerous cases where death sentences are issued following unfair trials, which violates international standards and laws. Personally, I believe that the death penalty represents the ultimate form of degrading, inhuman, and cruel punishment. How can one justify killing those who kill others in an attempt to demonstrate that murder is wrong?

Within the justice system, capital punishment is viewed as a mechanism for controlling crime. This system consists of the processes and agencies established by governments to impose penalties on individuals who violate the law (Neubauer & Fradella, 2018).

Paper For Above Instructions

Capital punishment has been a subject of intense debate for decades, with proponents arguing that it serves as a deterrent for violent crime and helps to achieve justice for victims, while opponents highlight the ethical implications and the risk of wrongful executions. This paper will delve into various aspects of capital punishment, including its effectiveness as a deterrent, the ethical concerns surrounding its practice, and the evolving public opinion regarding its legality and morality.

The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment

One of the central arguments in favor of capital punishment is its purported deterrent effect on violent crime, particularly murder. However, numerous studies have challenged this notion. A report from the Death Penalty Information Center reveals that experts indicate a negligible impact of the death penalty on murder rates. In fact, locations with capital punishment do not necessarily exhibit lower homicide rates compared to those without it (Reckless, 2017). This raises the question of whether the fear of execution truly instills a sense of caution in would-be offenders. Many murders occur in emotionally charged situations where individuals are unlikely to consider the long-term consequences of their actions.

Ethical Considerations

Capital punishment also raises significant ethical concerns. Critics argue that it constitutes a violation of the right to life and the principle of human dignity. In his work, Warrington (2018) contends that even though capital punishment may be legal, it remains inherently unethical due to the irreversible nature of the consequences and the potential for executing innocent individuals. The possibility of wrongful convictions underscores the moral complexity surrounding capital punishment. Innocent lives can be lost as a result of systemic failures within the judicial process, which raises profound questions about the justice system's integrity.

The Global Perspective on Capital Punishment

Examining the global landscape reveals a trend toward the abolition of capital punishment in many countries. For instance, Seeds (2018) outlines the history of capital punishment in the United States, noting its origins and various execution methods that have been employed over the centuries. However, more than 20 states have abolished capital punishment or imposed informal moratoriums. This decline correlates with a growing recognition of the ethical implications and dangers of maintaining the death penalty.

Public Opinion and Changing Perceptions

Public sentiment regarding capital punishment has shifted over time. Several studies suggest that support for the death penalty is waning in the United States due to growing awareness of wrongful convictions and the complexities surrounding its application (Dieter, 2017). As data shows, certain demographics, particularly younger individuals, are increasingly resistant to capital punishment, viewing it as an outdated form of punishment that lacks moral justification (Johnson, 2015). The changing perceptions reflect a broader societal movement toward more humane approaches to justice and rehabilitation.

Alternatives to Capital Punishment

In light of these considerations, it is crucial to explore alternatives to capital punishment. Life without parole (LWOP) has emerged as a viable alternative that allows for punishment while avoiding the ethical dilemmas associated with execution. Reitz & Klingele (2019) discuss how LWOP serves the dual purpose of protecting society while providing individuals an opportunity for rehabilitation, challenging the notion that life imprisonment is less effective than capital punishment in deterring crime.

Conclusion

In summary, capital punishment remains a contentious issue that elicits strong opinions on both sides. While proponents argue for its deterrent effects and its role in achieving justice, the overwhelming evidence and ethical implications challenge the validity of these claims. The trend towards abolition and the examination of alternatives suggest a societal shift towards more humane and ethical responses to crime. As the conversation continues, it is imperative to consider the moral responsibilities society holds in applying justice.

References

• Davidson, M. (2015). Compassion and the Death Penalty. Journal of Theoretical & Philosophical Criminology, 7(2), 1.
• Hans, V. P., Blume, J. H., Eisenberg, T., Hritz, A. C., Johnson, S. L., Royer, C. E., & Wells, M. T. (2015). The Death Penalty: Should the Judge or the Jury Decide Who Dies?. Journal of Empirical Legal Studies, 12(1), 70-99.
• Neubauer, D. W., & Fradella, H. F. (2018). America's Courts and the Criminal Justice System. Cengage Learning.
• Reckless, W. C. (2017). The use of the death penalty: a factual statement. In Capital Punishment (pp. 38-62). Routledge.
• Reitz, K. R., & Klingele, C. M. (2019). Model Penal Code: Sentencing—Workable Limits on Mass Punishment. Crime and Justice, 48(1).
• Warrington, M. (2018). Justice and Capital Punishment.
• Seeds, C. (2018). Disaggregating LWOP: Life without parole, capital punishment, and mass incarceration in Florida, 1972–1995. Law & Society Review, 52(1).
• Burgason, K. A. (2010). Examination of the Death Penalty: Public Opinion of a Northeast Tennessee University Student Sample. Journal of Criminal Justice, 38(1), 1-10.
• Johnson, D. T. (2015). Retention and reform in Japanese capital punishment. U. Mich. JL Reform, 49, 853.
• Dieter, R. C. (2017). Changing Views on the Death Penalty in the United States. In Conference on Alternatives to the Death Penalty.