Should the death penalty be banned as a form of punishment?

Essay , 2007 , 3 Pages , Grade: 1,3

English Language and Literature Studies - Other

Capital punishment is the lawful infliction of death as a punishment and since ancient times, it has been used for a wide variety of offences. The vast majority of democratic countries in Europe and Latin America have abolished capital punishment over the last fifty years, but United States, most democracies in Asia, and almost all totalitarian governments retain it. Many see the penalty as barbaric and out of date. Others see it as a very important tool in fighting violent intentional murder. Therefore, death penalty is one of the most debated issues in the Criminal Justice System.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Using death penalty is useless in that it doesn't bring the victim back to life.
• Life in prison is a worse punishment and a more effective deterrent.
• The fear of the death penalty has never reduced crime.
• The prisoner's family must suffer from seeing their loved one put to death by the state.
• The possibility exists that innocent men and women may be put to death.
• However, DNA testing can now effectively eliminate uncertainty as to a person's guilt or innocence.
• The death penalty gives closure to the victim's families who have suffered so much.
• With the death penalty justice is better served.

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This text explores the controversial issue of capital punishment, examining arguments both for and against its use. The author aims to present a balanced overview of the debate, exploring the various ethical, legal, and societal implications of the death penalty.

• The futility of the death penalty in bringing back the victim and the potential for an endless cycle of violence.
• The effectiveness of life imprisonment as a deterrent and the potential for suffering in prison as a punishment.
• The possibility of executing innocent people and the role of DNA testing in mitigating this risk.
• The potential for closure for victims' families and the arguments for and against the death penalty as a means of achieving justice.
• The broader societal implications of capital punishment, including its potential for brutality and disregard for human life.

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The text begins by highlighting the ineffectiveness of the death penalty in bringing back the victim. It argues that the "eye for an eye" mentality only perpetuates violence. The author then contrasts life imprisonment with the death penalty, arguing that the former is a more severe and effective deterrent. The text continues by addressing the issue of crime deterrence, stating that the fear of the death penalty has not been proven to reduce crime rates. The author then explores the impact of capital punishment on the families of both the victim and the prisoner, highlighting the added suffering inflicted on the prisoner's family. The possibility of executing innocent people due to wrongful convictions is also explored, while acknowledging the advancements in DNA testing. The text then delves into the potential for closure for victims' families, presenting the death penalty as a means to achieve finality. Finally, the text examines the argument for justice being served through capital punishment, stating that the punishment should fit the crime. The author ultimately concludes that the death penalty is a complex issue with no easy answers.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The text focuses on the ethical and societal implications of capital punishment. Key terms include: death penalty, capital punishment, deterrence, justice, closure, victims' families, wrongful convictions, DNA testing, and the "eye for an eye" mentality.

• College: University of Vechta
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Ulrike Kögel (Author)
• Publication Year: 2007
• Pages: 3
• Catalog Number: V128758
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640341412
• Language: English
• Tags: Should