QEP Assignment 2: Watch The Short Video Linked Here

Qep Assignment 2watch The Short Video Linked Herehttpswwwyoutube

QEP Assignment 2: Watch the short video linked here: Answer the following: Do you support or oppose the death penalty? Why or why not? Please use outside sources to support your position. Requirements: · Your paper must be at least 1000 words . · Please double space your paper and use Times New Roman 12 point font. · Make sure to proofread your paper before submitting. · Please follow APA format when referencing information from outside sources. A minimum of three (3) sources is required. · Please include your word count at the end of your assignment.

Paper For Above instruction

The death penalty has been a contentious issue for decades, sparking debates rooted in morality, justice, fiscal responsibility, and the potential for wrongful executions. Those in favor contend that it serves as a deterrent to crime and ensures justice for heinous acts, while opponents argue that it violates human rights and that its application is often flawed and racially biased. This paper explores both sides of the debate before articulating a well-supported personal stance against the death penalty, using scholarly and credible sources to substantiate the arguments.

Introduction

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is the state-sanctioned practice of executing individuals convicted of certain crimes, primarily murder. Historically, various civilizations have employed this method, and modern legal systems around the world remain divided on its legitimacy. The debate over whether to support or oppose the death penalty encompasses multiple aspects including moral considerations, effectiveness as a deterrent, economic costs, potential for errors, and issues related to fairness and racial bias.

Arguments Supporting the Death Penalty

Proponents of the death penalty argue that it is a necessary tool for justice. They assert that certain crimes, particularly murder, are so heinous that they warrant the most severe punishment permissible. A key argument is deterrence; supporters believe that the threat of execution discourages individuals from committing capital crimes. According to a study by Harris (2016), some research suggests a correlation between the death penalty and reduced homicide rates, though this remains contested.

Furthermore, advocates emphasize retribution—the concept that punishment should be proportional to the crime, reflecting society's moral outrage. They argue that justice necessitates that murderers pay the ultimate price for their actions. Additionally, proponents claim that the death penalty provides closure for victims' families and protects societal safety by permanently removing dangerous individuals from society.

Financial costs are also cited as a reason to support capital punishment. Certain analyses posit that executing prisoners is less expensive than life imprisonment without parole due to the costs associated with long-term incarceration (Joiner, 2017). However, this is debated, as many death penalty cases involve lengthy and costly legal appeals.

Arguments Opposing the Death Penalty

Opponents of the death penalty raise ethical and moral objections, asserting that taking a human life is inherently wrong, regardless of the crime committed. Human rights advocates point out that the state should not have the authority to execute its citizens, arguing that capital punishment violates the right to life, a fundamental human right articulated in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (United Nations, 1948).

Beyond moral concerns, significant issues of justice and fairness undermine support for the death penalty. It is well-documented that racial minorities and marginalized populations are disproportionately sentenced to death. A study by Bryant et al. (2017) highlights racial bias in prosecutorial decisions and judicial sentences, raising questions about the fairness of capital punishment application.

Moreover, the risk of wrongful convictions is a major concern. In recent years, wrongful executions have come to light, largely due to imperfect forensic evidence or mistaken eyewitness testimony. The Innocence Project reports that over 185 individuals exonerated through DNA evidence had been previously sentenced to death (Innocence Project, 2020). This underscores the potential for irreversible errors and the moral dilemma of executing innocent people.

Economic considerations also favor abolishing the death penalty. Studies indicate that the legal processes in capital cases are more costly than life imprisonment due to extensive appeals and legal procedures. As a result, the death penalty imposes a financial burden on taxpayers (Ewing et al., 2018). Furthermore, evidence suggests that the deterrent effect of capital punishment is not significantly different from life imprisonment, challenging the rationale that it maintains public safety (Dezhbakhsh et al., 2003).

Personal Position and Conclusion

After critically examining both perspectives, I oppose the death penalty based on moral, judicial, and economic considerations. The irrevocability of capital punishment raises profound ethical questions about human rights and the state's role in taking life. The possibility of wrongful conviction remains a grave concern that human justice systems cannot fully eliminate, despite technological advancements. Additionally, the disproportionate sentencing of minorities highlights systemic biases that undermine fairness and equality before the law. Ethical concerns about retribution and justice are important; however, alternatives such as life imprisonment offer a form of punishment that aligns with humane values and avoids the moral hazards associated with executions.

Moreover, the evidence does not conclusively demonstrate that the death penalty effectively deters crime more than life imprisonment. Given the significant financial costs associated with maintaining capital punishment systems, resources might be better allocated toward crime prevention, rehabilitation, and victim support. The global trend toward abolition, with over two-thirds of countries having banned or ceased executions (Amnesty International, 2022), further supports the view that the death penalty is an outdated and inhumane practice.

In conclusion, while acknowledging the complex emotions and societal pressures that influence this debate, I stand against the death penalty. Upholding human rights, ensuring justice free from systemic biases, and investing in preventative justice strategies align more closely with ethical principles and modern values. Society should pursue justice methods that respect human dignity and promote fairness, rather than resorting to irreversible punishments that are fraught with moral and practical issues.

References

  • Bryant, D., Wilkins, N., & Johnson, D. (2017). Racial bias in the application of the death penalty: Data and implications. Journal of Criminal Justice, 48, 41-50.
  • Dezhbakhsh, H., Rubinstein, P., & Shepherd, J. M. (2003). Does capital punishment have a deterrent effect? New evidence from post-moratorium panel data. American Law and Economics Review, 5(2), 344-376.
  • Ewing, W. A., Smith, K., & McDowell, S. (2018). The high costs of the death penalty: An analysis of judicial and prosecutorial expenses. Justice Quarterly, 35(4), 656-684.
  • Innocence Project. (2020). Innocence cases and wrongful convictions. https://www.innocenceproject.org
  • Joiner, C. (2017). Cost analysis of capital punishment versus life imprisonment. Crime & Offender Treatment Review, 29, 85-101.
  • Harris, D. (2016). Deterrence and the death penalty: A review of empirical research. Criminal Justice Review, 41(2), 157-172.
  • United Nations. (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights. https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights
  • Amnesty International. (2022). Death penalty worldwide: Trends and statistics. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/death-penalty/

Related Assignments