The audience for this essay is the opinion section of the Sunday New York Times. This publication has a wide readership. The largest percentage of readers are between the ages of 35 and 44, and the majority of readers have either a college degree or a graduate degree. This essay argues for a question of value. Budziszewski, J. “Capital Punishment: The Case for Justice.” OrthodoxyToday.org. August 2004. Web. 29 March 2013. <http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/BudziszewskiPunishment.php> The use of capital punishment greatly deters citizens from committing crimes such as murder. Many people’s greatest fear is death; therefore if they know that death is a possible consequence for their actions how to write essays for poems, they are less likely to perform such actions. Ernest van den Haag, a professor at Fordham University, wrote about the issue of deterrence: Stewart points out that death penalty cases are held to a much higher standard. Due process in these cases takes much longer so that the court can be absolutely sure that the person is guilty before sentencing him to execution. This helps to eliminate any errors that could lead to executing the wrong person. He also points out that although there is a small possibility for mistakes to be made, this does not mean capital punishment should be abolished. If everything that had the potential for harmful mistakes were outlawed, society would be extremely crippled. van den Haag brings forth the argument that capital punishment is the strongest deterrent society has against murder, which has been proven in many studies. “Since society has the highest interest in preventing murder, it should use the strongest punishment available to deter murder…” (Death Penalty Curricula for High School). In a study conducted by Isaac Ehrlich in 1973, it was found that for each execution of a criminal seven potential victim’s lives were saved (Death Penalty Curricula for High School). This was due to other possible murderers being deterred from committing murder after realizing thatother criminals are executed for their crimes. Ehrlich’s argument was also backed up by studies following his that had similar results. Capital punishment also acts as a deterrent for recidivism (the rate at which previously convicted criminals return to committing crimes after being released); if the criminal is executed he has no opportunity to commit crimes again. Some may argue that there is not enough concrete evidence to use deterrence as an argument for the death penalty. The reason some evidence may be inconclusive is that the death penalty often takes a while to be carried out; some prisoners sit on death row for years before being executed. This can influence the effectiveness of deterrence because punishments that are carried out swiftly are better examples to others. Although the death penalty is already effective at deterring possible criminals, it would be even more effective if the legal process were carried out more quickly instead of having inmates on death row for years. “…capital punishment is likely to deter more than other punishments because people fear death more than anything else. They fear most death deliberately inflicted by law and scheduled by the courts….Hence, the threat of the death penalty may deter some murderers who otherwise might not have been deterred. And surely the death penalty is the only penalty that could deter prisoners already serving a life sentence and tempted to kill a guard, or offenders about to be arrested and facing a life sentence.” (Death Penalty Curricula for High School) The death penalty is an issue that has the United States quite divided. While there are many supporters of it, there is also a large amount of opposition. Currently, there are thirty-three states in which the death penalty is legal and seventeen states that have abolished it (Death Penalty Information Center). I believe the death penalty should be legal throughout the nation. There are many reasons as to why I believe the death penalty should be legalized in all states, including deterrence, retribution, and morality; and because opposing arguments do not hold up, I will refute the ideas that the death penalty is unconstitutional, irrevocable mistakes are made, and that there is a disproportionality of race and income level. ProCon.org. ProCon.org. Web. 28 March 2013. <procon.org> Jesus Christ Would Support the Death Penalty - Capital punishment, as ordained by God good ideas for history research paper, is the only way to reduce crime in a long-lasting form. Although there are many who would refute this claim, the Bible holds its ground when it comes to the issue of capital punishment. The Bible has stood for, and will continue to stand for, capital punishment. Since God was the one who first initiated capital punishment, we should look to His Word to find the origin of it. Capital punishment was instituted when God told Adam and Eve “. in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” Genesis 9:6 also references capital punishment by stating, “Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed.” Exodus 21:12 echoes this saying with. [tags: Jesus Christ and the Death Penalty] 1816 words 2054 words The Death Penalty - Eighteen and Life or. is it Death. “Has the Jury reached a verdict?” A judge asks the jury assembled for the trial of a man who has been charged with murder. “We have your honor, we find the defendant, guilty.” Later, when the guilty man is scheduled to learn of the cost of his crime at sentencing: “You have been sentenced to death by lethal injection.” In recent times, this is the most likely method of execution a condemned man or woman is to hear if they have been sentenced to death by a court of law. [tags: capital punishment, lethal injection] 2054 words Christians Should NOT Support the Death Penalty - The death penalty is rooted deeply within the Jewish Torah because, “purging evil from the community in the person of the evildoer served more than the retributive function of expiating guilt. It also removed a harmful influence from Israel” (Brugger 62). God gave clear instructions to Israel to remain holy and not to let evil to take root. In order for this to happen they must execute individuals that could cause introduction of evil. The New Testament is much more silent on the subject. However Jesus said, “If anyone hears my words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. [tags: Argument Against Death Penalty] 1398 words 1410 words The Death Penalty Should Not be Legal in the America? - What are the two things in America that absolutely everyone has an opinion on: Two things, abortion and the death penalty. There have been multiple cases where death row inmates have been found innocent before being put to death, and then there are few that have ended unfortunately. Cases like Carlos DeLuna, where they have been put to death then found innocent after the deed had been done. For this exact reason, the death penalty should not be legal in the America. The death penalty has been around from the earliest known civilizations to present day America. [tags: death penalty, inmates encounters, prisoners] 853 words No Death Penalty For Minors - The Death Penalty is the execution of criminals for committing crimes regarded so bad that this is the only acceptable punishment. It establishes order in society by putting the fear of death in to would be killers. Although this works for the most part, one has to wonder if a child who commits murder thinks about the fact that it can lead to a death sentence. Studies by the Harvard Medical School, the National Institute of Mental Health and the UCLA’s Department of Neuroscience found that the frontal and pre-frontal lobes of the brain property assign readonly, which regulate impulse control and judgment, are not fully developed in adolescents. [tags: No Death Penalty for Juveniles] The Ethical Ambiguity Concerning the Death Penalty - The question of ethical behavior is an age-old conundrum. The prevailing issue with ethics is that it is extremely difficult to measure. A person’s moral fabric is largely based on their particular personality traits, as well as, their psychological state and environmental influences. Many believe that ethics are tied to a person’s conscience, and that good morals are often facilitated by a strong religious background. Furthermore, a person’s moral development can be linked to their economic situation and cultural differences. [tags: capital punishment personal statement editing, death penalty] Dead Man Walking: Death Penalty in America - Capital punishment, otherwise known as “The Death Penalty,” has been around for many years and has been the cause of death for over twelve hundred inmates since 1976 (“Death Penalty Information Center”), but is the Death Penalty really beneficial to the American public. This question is in the back of many people’s minds, and has left many questioning the meaning of the punishment. The death penalty targets murderers or high profile cases. Some say that the death penalty should apply to those who murder, rape, or abuse human beings such as children, or women. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 2294 words 1561 words The Death Penalty - Do you fear death. If you are given the death penalty, your life will be taken. It will be the end of everything. You will lose your family, friends, future, goals and everything that belongs to you. Death creates fear, and it is taboo to many people. Since many people are scared of death, they will not do anything that will cause them to get the death penalty. Many people believe that the death penalty is the only way to stop criminals who commit serious felonies. Cassell and Bedau state, “A Gallup poll in October 2012 states that 70 percent of Americans favor the death penalty while only 25 percent oppose it” (186). [tags: fear, death, criminality, felony, human rights] The Death Penalty is a Just and Proper Punishment - The Death Penalty is a Just and Proper Punishment The idea of putting another human to death is hard to completely fathom. The physical mechanics involved in the act of execution are easy to grasp, but the emotions involved in carrying out a death sentence on another person, regardless of how much they deserve it, is beyond my own understanding. I know it must be painful, dehumanizing, and sickening. However, this act is sometimes necessary and it is our responsibility as a society to see that it is done. [tags: Pro Capital Punishment Death Penalty Crime Essays] 1248 words I Cannot Support The Death Penalty - In modern society we debate many aspects of government policy. Most of the time these policies are to protect us or to serve our needs. One policy that I have long considered confusing is the application of the Death Penalty by many states. When we discussed this policy while I was in a Bible class in high school, I could not decide if I was for or against the Death Penalty. For instance are we supposed to forgive our neighbors of their sins, or is it "an eye for an eye". After some research and some careful consideration I have come to an opinion concerning the death penalty. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 2452 words The Death Penalty - Almost all nations in the world either have the death sentence or have had it at one time. It was used in most cases to punish those who broke the laws or standards that were expected of them. Since the death penalty wastes tax money, is inhumane, and is largely unnecessary it should be abolished in every state across the United States. The use of the death penalty puts the United States in the same category as countries like Iran and Saudi Arabia which are two of the world’s worst human rights violators (Friedman 34). [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1230 words 1508 words The Death Penalty - The death penalty continues to be an issue of controversy and is an issue that will be debated in the United States for many years to come. According to Hugo A. Bedau, the writer of “The Death Penalty in America”, capital punishment is the lawful infliction of the death penalty. The death penalty has been used since ancient times for a variety of offenses. The Bible says that death should be done to anyone who commits murder, larceny, rapes, and burglary. It appears that public debate on the death penalty has changed over the years and is still changing, but there are still some out there who are for the death penalty and will continue to believe that it’s a good punishment. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1527 words 925 words Argument For the Death Penalty - Should any individual be killed for their crimes or mistakes. Adam Liptak, a writer for the New York Times, found that, “According to roughly a dozen recent studies, executions save lives. For each inmate put to death, the studies say, 3 to 18 murders are prevented.” Therefore, the death penalty must be upheld in the United States of America in order to protect its citizens and to properly enforce justice. The death penalty ensures fair retribution for the loved ones of the criminal’s victim. [tags: Pro Death Penalty] 981 words The Death Penalty in Modern Society - Since the reinstatement of the death penalty by the Supreme Court in 1976 there have been 1,245 criminals legally put to death as a punishment for a multitude of disturbing crimes (6). The death penalty’s reinstatement as a possible punishment for crimes ranging from treason to murder has brought the constitutionality and morality of the punishment into question by anti-capital punishment protesters. This has led to a great deal of debate between pro- and anti- capital punishment supporters. Defenders of the death penalty state that it is an effective deterrent and punishment for murder (1), while the opposing side claims that it is the definition of hypocrisy at an ultimate and inhumane lev. [tags: capital punishment thesis on the internet, death penalty] 1462 words The Death Penalty Debate - The death penalty seems to be a very debatable subject. There are arguments and support for both sides of the debate, but which side is right. That is a tough question to ask. After reading the article in the textbook, two other articles, and looking at statistics, I seem to feel that the death penalty may not be the right answer. The article in the textbook The Death Penalty in the United States and Worldwide was fairly informative. One of the points it brought up was the cost of life without parole vs the death penalty, and those costs were stated as life without parole costing 1.1 million dollars vs the death penalty costing 3 million dollars (Schaefer, Richard T, 2009 pg 176). [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 3657 words 3060 words An Argument Against the Death Penalty - An eyewitness to the execution of John Evans in Alabama describes this scene from the final moments of a death penalty sentence being carried out: "The first jolt of 1900 volts of electricity passed through Mr. Evans' body. It lasted thirty seconds. Sparks and flame erupted from the electrode tied to his leg. His body slammed against the straps holding him in the electric chair and his fist clenched permanently. A large puff of grayish smoke and sparks poured out from under the hood that covered his face. [tags: Death Penalty Argumentative Persuasive Papers] 1549 words An Examination of The Death Penalty - The death penalty is a very controversial topic, and the passion of its supporters and naysayer runs high in opinions. The people’s opinion of the death penalty are formed over the years, or in a quick judgment off of what they heard and can be based of a basis upbringing, personal, cultural and peer pressure. The supporters are unwavering with their opinion. The options ranges from executions are in humane examples of reflective essays on english, there is a risk that an innocent can be executed, and is the death penalty really a deterrent for future crime. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] Differing Opinions on the Controversial Death Penalty Issue - The issue of capital punishment is one that has been in discussion for many years. How can anyone control the life of another human being. The accused may have taken the life of another citizen but what gives anyone the right to take his. This is the main point of the question but it gets vastly more complicated as the issue is further investigated. For instance, the psychopath who goes on a murderous rampage might have an abnormality with the frontal lobe of the cortex in his brain. Now essay on writing style, if this is the case this person may not be able to control his murderous impulses. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1445 words Juvenile Death Penalty - A 16 year old boy is at the peak of their adolescent life, learning and discovering about puberty, maturity, right and wrong and future life goals. On the other hand checking research papers plagiarism, a man of 25 has matured, lived long enough to have made both good and bad judgments and has already been in the process of achieving those life goals they once thought of as a teenager. In a given situation, is it ethical to hold these two age groups, with mentalities that are worlds apart, to the same standards and punishments in the justice system. [tags: capital punishment best cv writing services writing, death penalty] 4240 words Should the Death Penalty be Abolished? - Should the death penalty be abolished. The death penalty does one thing it “kills.” It temporarily takes away the pain for someone’s loss, but in the end it does not bring back the person you loved. The death penalty has been considered to be one of the most cruel and unusual punishments for sentencing criminals. I do not believe the death penalty should exist paid essay writers, even when the most heinous crimes have been committed. The death penalty will always be a debatable topic because no one should have the right to decide who should live or who should die. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 915 words Death Penalty: Zero Tolerance - Just the very mentioning of the “death penalty” can bring out a fury in most people. Those for the death penalty argue that it creates deterrence, punishment, and justice. While those that oppose the death penalty argue about the risk of executing an innocent person or life in prison is a worst punishment. Crime is an obvious element of society and something needs to deter people from committing criminal acts. The question lies in the methods and actions in which to deal with each crime. As a nation, we must have zero tolerance for horrific crimes such as murder and we must have a just punishment for a crime to insure some control over criminals. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1270 words The Death Penalty - The Death Penalty in the United States is still intact, but in other Nations it has been abolished. These countries abolished it because they thought it to inhumane and cruel. One hundred and thirty-six nations have abolished the death penalty. Now in this essay I will tell the reasons some states and countries still have the death penalty and why some do not, also some cases of people getting sentenced to it when they were really innocent. The first thing I am going to talk about is the states and countries that still have the death penalty. [tags: Capital Punishment Essays] 1216 words The Death Penalty - The death penalty is currently used by 34 states and is used by the federal government for punishing federal crimes. And in most cases the death penalty is used when the criminal has been convicted of murder. However, two people have been sentenced to death for the rape of a minor. The definition of the death penalty is: execution of an offender sentenced to death after conviction by a court of law of a criminal offense. This begs the question does the government have the right to take away someone’s life. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] The Case Against the Death Penalty - In the United States, since the 1970s there have been more than 1270 executions according to the death penalty information center (Fact Sheet), What’s alarming about that number, is the number of people who were condemned to be executed based on race, income and social status alone, targeting those that could not afford good legal counsel, and were appointed attorneys that were “inexperienced and had below appropriate professional standards” (Hessick 1069), which sealed the fate of those literally fighting for their lives, on the day of sentencing. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1558 words 615 words The Death Penalty in the United States - The Death Penalty in The United States Capital punishment results in the victims family gaining a greater sense of security, making sure the criminal is able to be punished to the highest degree for his crime online essays writing, and honoring retribution. The issue of capital punishment has created a division and tension in our country. The controversy in our society is whether the death penalty/capital punishment serves as a justified form of punishment. Justice can be served by inflicting the death sentence for murder. [tags: capital punishment, death penalty] 1220 words The Eighth Amendment and Death Penalty - The Eight Amendment to the U.S. Constitution “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted”, proposed on 9/25/1789 and approved on 12/15/1791. The cruel and unusual punishment confines the harshness of penalties that state and federal governments may inflict upon ones who have been condemned of a criminal offense. The excessive fines phrase restricts the amount that state and federal governments may possibly fine an individual for a specific offense. [tags: law, constitution, death penalty]
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