This argumentative essay examines both sides of the capital punishment debate in contemporary America. The analysis explores pro-death penalty arguments including deterrent effects, victim closure, and justice reinforcement, while presenting opposing viewpoints focused on judicial errors, excessive costs, and alternative rehabilitation approaches. The essay demonstrates how modern social influences and criminal justice challenges have intensified this contentious debate.
The death penalty has been become a very contentious debate in recent years. The recent death of George Floyd combined with increased prevalence of school shootings have called into question the use of the death penalty as a deterrent to unwarranted behavior. Likewise, the prevalence of gun related crime that permeates the news along with access to heavily violent media, has desensitized society as to the adverse consequences of death in society. Even common video game titles such as “Call of Duty,” “Halo,” and “Battlefield” have now normalized what once was considered heavily inappropriate gaming environments. All of these influences and more have contributed to a spirited debate around the death penalty, it merits and its usage (Craig, 1999).
On one end of the argument proponents for the death penalty site its ability to be used as a deterrent to would be criminals. Likewise, many proponents site that it provides the victims of the criminal with a small semblance of closure and vindication. In addition, the death penalty has historically been used as a means of negotiation with criminals and offenders. By having the death penalty as a viable alternative and option, certain criminals are willing to cooperate with law-enforcement to avoid this punishment. This ultimately allows law enforcement to better mitigate further criminal behavior through cooperation of other criminal facing the death penalty. Finally, supporters of capital punishment believe it showcases the basic tenet of human civilization in that “Bad things happen to those who deserve it.” The death penalty, supporters argue, helps to reinforce and instill confidence is the fundamental underpinnings of life. Without it, supporters believe society would unravel as confidence in the underlying themes of justice would unravel (Stephen, 1998).
The other side of the argument are those who believe that capital punishment should be abolished. The first and most often cited reason behind the death penalty is that the justice system often makes mistakes. Here, it is very possible that an innocent individual could be sentenced to death, thereby undermining the merits of the entire criminal justice system. Since 1976, nearly 140 people have been released from death row after being found innocent. This is particularly troubling, as under current laws, nearly 140 people would have died while the real perpetrator often remains free. In addition, the actually social benefits of the death penalty are very low relative to the costs. In total, states prosecution, defense, trial, and sentencing costs the country hundreds of millions of dollars a year. However, numerous studies have shown that the existence of capital punishment has not lowered criminal activity or crime levels. As a result, these dollars can be allocated to much more productive and beneficial uses of society rather than maintaining an antiquated system. In this instance, funds can be redirected to training and development initiatives designed to give criminals a second chance in life. Here, these programs can not only help change the lives of criminals, but it can also lower future prison maintenance costs (Samuel, 1998).
Those against capital punishment also note that there are much better alternatives for those who are victims of murder. In fact, studies have shown that capital punishment does not help these individuals heal any faster or in a more productive manner. As noted above, the execution process is so long and expensive to begin with that if often takes many years for victims to even find closure through the criminal justice system. Here, families of murder victims would benefit far more if the funds now being used for the costly process of executions were diverted to counseling and other assistance as noted in detail above. Finally those against capital punishment believe it is wrong for humans to act as “God” and take the lives of other human beings. Many religious groups around the world unanimously condemn capital punishment as immoral (Stephen, 1998).
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