death penalty?

Question

what are the pros and cons of the death penalty?

is capital punishment against the constitution?

Answer 1

I am for the death penalty, but my biggest issue is that these dirtbags go on for years before they are put to death, and the poor victims have to wait years for that dirtbag to meet his maker.

Answer 2

Pros:
Deterrent effect, killer cannot kill again, retribution (prevents vigilante justice).

Cons:
Killing is always wrong under every circumstance/state engaging in the same activity that it condemns, sometimes innocents are put to death, system is unfair (race, gender, and class discrimination), more expensive than life in prison.

Constitutionality:
Death penalty was deemed unconstitutional for a short period in the 1970s (as cruel and unusual punishment), but in Greggg v. Georgia (1976) the supreme court held that capital punishment is constitutional if the law is carefully drafted to ensure the jury has adequate information and guidance, and the penalty must not be given in an arbitrary and capricious manner.

Answer 3

I'll be cold for this: the pros of the death penalty are numerous and I agree with them. One, if somebody takes a life, they don't deserve to live the rest of their lives out pleasantly in prison. THey don't have the right to keep their own life. In addition, our prisons are way too full and they are a breeding ground for terrorists. And if nothing else, it gives the victim's family and friends a bit of console.

The only con I can think of is that in the case that the jury is wrong, they've killed an innocent man. Its unlikely to the point of almost non-existance but it could happen.

And no, during the time the constitution was written, capital punishment was incredibly common. It says, "No cruel or unusual punishment." If we spend a couple hours hanging them by their toes, that would be cruel and very unusual. Our methods are nearly painless.

Answer 4

Well, I'm against the death penalty. It costs more to have someone sit on death row, than to keep them alive. Also, the person could be found innocent after they have already been killed.

I guess some people feel some sort of relief knowing that the guilty are dead. But, I would much rather have the person sit in prison for the rest of his/her life and live with what they did wrong.

The 8th Amendment forbids punishments that are cruel and unusual.

Well, some could argue that lethal injection is unconstitutional. It just depends on your own opinion.

Answer 5

Pros- those psychos die
Cons- Possibly years ago, people were put to death that were innocent.. but that is unlikely to happen today with all the Science they have

No capital punishment is not against the Constitution.. there is a clause in there about cruel and unusual punishment.. but killing murders.. isn't cruel AND unusual punishment

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruel_and_unusual_punishment

Answer 6

in my opinion the pros r that it`s cheaper than letting them live, a prisoner cost`s the tax payers a lot of money & they can`t get out and re offend.
the cons r that person may be innocent, or may of done something through no choice of their own. i am not for the death penalty, who r we to decide who shall live or die, we are partly responsible for their deaths if we condone it.

Answer 7

No. We are a society of law. When a person has committed such a crime as murder 1, they have demonstrated that there is no place for them in a society of law. The only place the victim can receive justice is in God's court where they can face the criminal without fear and know that justice will be done.

Answer 8

Pros: Eliminates murders, who may kill again:
Con: Unfortunately, innocent people are put to death.

Capital punishment is NOT unconstitutional.

14th ammendment (in part): nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law;

A person's life may be taken away with due process.

Answer 9

not since it was written............there used to be 147 crimes punished by death.......now there's maybe 3or4.......