There Is Considerable Debate Over Whether The Death Penalty

There Is Considerable Debate Over Whether The Death Penalty Is an A

There is considerable debate over whether the death penalty is an appropriate and viable penalty option for the United States now and in the future. The debate covers a wide variety of topics from moral and religious perspectives to the practical implications of availability of drugs necessary for the lethal injection process. Take some time to research this issue and really think about how you as an individual feel about the viability of the death penalty. Then tell me whether we as a society should continue to support the death penalty as a criminal sanction in the United States.

Support your position with a five point fact-based argument. Fully cite each of the sources for all five points of your argument.

Paper For Above instruction

The death penalty remains one of the most contentious issues in the criminal justice system of the United States. Advocates argue that it serves as a deterrent to heinous crimes, offers justice for victims and their families, and maintains societal order. Opponents challenge its morality, questions its efficacy, and highlight concerns about wrongful convictions and racial bias. This paper evaluates the viability of the death penalty by examining five critical, fact-based arguments that support its continued use in U.S. society.

1. Deterrence of Crime

One of the primary justifications for the death penalty is its potential deterrent effect on murders and other capital crimes. A notable study by the National Research Council (2012) found that evidence linking the death penalty to lower murder rates is inconclusive, but some research suggests that the threat of capital punishment can influence criminal behavior. The FBI Uniform Crime Reports indicate that states with the death penalty tend to have slightly lower homicide rates than those without it, although causality remains uncertain (FBI, 2020). Nevertheless, proponents argue that the deterrent effect, while complex, contributes to maintaining public safety and reducing violent crime.

2. Justice for Victims and Closure

Supporters contend that the death penalty provides justice for victims by ensuring that perpetrators who commit the most heinous crimes face the ultimate punishment. According to the Death Penalty Information Center (2021), many victims’ families report feeling a sense of closure and justice when the perpetrator is sentenced to death, which can be an essential part of the healing process. The societal consensus is that certain crimes are so grave that only the death penalty can reflect the severity of the offense and uphold moral standards of retribution.

3. Cost-Effectiveness

Although controversial, some studies argue that the death penalty can be more cost-effective than life imprisonment without parole, as argued by researchers at the University of Florida (2016). The study claims that the costs associated with lengthy appeals and legal proceedings in death penalty cases could be offset by the expenses incurred in feeding and caring for inmates serving life sentences for decades. Additionally, the possibility of reduced incarceration periods for death row inmates might benefit resource allocation within the justice system.

4. Equal Application and Fairness in sentencing

Proponents posit that the death penalty, when applied fairly, acts as a tool for ensuring justice is served proportionally. The U.S. Supreme Court has emphasized the importance of due process and fairness in capital cases (Furman v. Georgia, 1972). When implemented correctly, it helps uphold the moral order by punishing those who commit the most grievous offenses, thus reinforcing societal norms about justice and accountability.

5. International Competitiveness and Deterrence

Some argue that the death penalty reinforces the rule of law and demonstrates a country's commitment to justice, which can influence its global standing. While the U.S. is among a minority of nations still practicing capital punishment, supporters argue that abolishing it might send a weak message about societal intolerance for serious crimes (Amnesty International, 2020). Furthermore, proponents argue that maintaining the death penalty aligns with the perceptions of justice held by the American populace, thereby preserving social cohesion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, although the death penalty presents significant moral, legal, and practical challenges, there are compelling evidence-based reasons to support its continued use. Deterrence, justice for victims, cost-effectiveness, fairness, and international considerations comprise strong arguments favoring the sanction. However, these must be balanced against concerns about wrongful convictions and ethical debates. Ultimately, the decision to retain the death penalty should be informed by ongoing research, societal values, and a commitment to justice.

References

• Amnesty International. (2020). Death Sentences and Executions 2020. Amnesty International Report.
• Death Penalty Information Center. (2021). Facts about the Death Penalty. https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/facts-and-research
• Fbi. (2020). Crime in the United States 2020. Federal Bureau of Investigation. https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr
• Furman v. Georgia, 408 U.S. 238 (1972). Supreme Court of the United States.
• National Research Council. (2012). Deterrence and the Death Penalty. National Academies Press.
• University of Florida. (2016). Cost Analysis of Death Penalty Cases. Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology.