Moreover it is shown that in many cases criminals are executed while there are reasonable doubts in their convictions and some have avoided execution by just a few hours before being exonerated. Another issue that was discussed is the inequality of death penalty in practice. There have been serious issues with racial discrimination. For reference in cases with white victims and black defendants convictions occurred twenty two percent of the time while with black victims and white defendants with percentage dropped to a measly three
However, the question really begs whether or not the law of murder is in need of a reform in situations where one or both of its fundamental elements are absent? The conviction upon murder is a mandatory life sentence in prison. The judge passing this sentence upon the conviction of murder cannot pass a lesser sentence no matter how mitigating it might be. Therefore, the notion for a reform in the law of murders has become increasingly significant and relevant to the legal framework that confines our modern society in cases of voluntary manslaughter, mercy killings and euthanasia. Criticisms on the existing law of murder has certainly not abated in recent times.
Lethal Injection For thousands of years, many governments have punished people convicted of certain crimes by putting them to death, using various means to accomplish this. The death penalty is considered by many to be the ultimate form of punishment for those who have committed society's most heinous crimes, including rape and murder. As times have changed, so have the methods of execution. The idea of someone being put to death is not a pleasant one. About 74 of the world's countries and 38 American states have a death penalty (although the vast majority of executions in 2004 took place in China, Iran, Vietnam and the United States), so this unpleasant topic is bound to come up.
Although the author of this book is clearly against capital punishment, he explores all sides of the issue openly. After reading through this text I find it intriguing to examine the long term versus short term cost effects of the death penalty. Although, the cost of capital punishment is higher up front it is comparatively less expensive when compared to life in prison (prodeathpenalty.com). Costanzo states, “Capital cases are a nightmare for the entire justice system. Police chiefs recognize that death penalty cases are particularly burdensome in the early stages.
Death Penalty Nearly half of Americans say that the death penalty is not imposed often enough (Newport). Yet the number of executions in America continues to drop. There was about half the number of executions in 2009 than 1999 (Thornburgh). Some say that the death penalty should not be used at all because we are not sure if the person is guilty. In fact, the death penalty needs to be imposed more often because it prevents the murders of innocent people, and the punishment should fit the crime.
This is truly a bothersome idea because the capital punishment is irreversible. No matter how many precautions are made, there are always going to be mistakes because decisions are made by humans. If the mistake is acknowledged after the execution, then the state would have committed a crime that’s equivalent to the murder. Since the 1900's, at least 416 innocent people have been sentenced to death penalty in the name of justice. (Popular Misconceptions About the Death Penalty, n.d.).
Since the capital punishment is still carry on, many opponents and defenders of the death penalty appeal to the sanctity of life. However, the death penalty is not justified. This is because death penalty is not an effective crime deterrent, executed innocent people and it needs a higher cost to carry on. First of all, some opponents argue that death penalty can help deter crime and protect public. For instance, the criminal will think twice before killing for fear of receive the strongest punishment.
Abstract Capital Punishment is the killing of a person by judicial process for retribution and punishment. (www.dictionary.com) The death penalty controversy is an interwoven argument, no matter where in the world you are. The main reason for this is that it is a sensitive issue which is regularly debated in many occasions, based on personal and moral beliefs. Capital Punishment has been banned from most western civilised countries, except for the United States of America. Retribution is one of the main aims of punishment.
Most Americans’ support the death penalty to a certain extent, while others want it completely abolished from our nation’s government. People that want it completely abolished will not support the death penalty by any means. The death penalty could put innocence lives to death and the system cost a fortune that could be used for many different other needed resources. My personal belief is that the death penalty should be completely abolished from our nation’s justice system. With recent studies, it shows that the death penalty could cause more issues than not.
When obviously they do not accept it by themselves? The point is the death penalty should not be abolished since it is the only way to stop criminals from killing, and hurting others. “The federal government and most states (38) in the USA have the death penalty. Some states rarely use it. Other states, however, are known as big users of the death penalty.