Which group of people are involved in this controversy?

Question

Does anyone know which group of people are usually for the death penalty and which group of people are usually against it?

Answer 1

For statements of position of many religions, you can visit
http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut7.htm. But this is not a useful good way to categorize people. Instead of asking what groups have what views, the best way to think about this issue is with the facts. And then apply common sense and the teachings of your own faith and conscience.

In the United States more and more people are learning about the death penalty and are coming to oppose it because it makes mistakes and is not an effective way of keeping us safe.

Here are some of the facts-

Re: cost
The death penalty costs far more than life in prison.

Re: Possibility of executing an innocent person
Over 120 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence. Many of these people had already served over a decade. If we speed the process we are bound to execute an innocent person.

Re: Deterrence
The death penalty is not a deterrent. Murder rates are actually higher in states with the death penalty than in states without it. Moreover, people who kill or commit other serious crimes do not think they will be caught (if they think at all.)

Re: Alternatives
More and more states have life without parole on the books. Life without parole means what it says and is no picnic.

Re: Who gets the death penalty
The death penalty is not reserved for the “worst of the worst,” but rather for defendants with the worst lawyers. When is the last time a wealthy person was sentenced to death, let alone executed??

Re: Victims families
People should know that the death penalty is very hard on victims’ families. They must relive their ordeal in the courts and the media. Life without parole is sure, swift and rarely appealed. Some victims families who support the death penalty in principal prefer life without parole because of how the death penalty affects families like theirs.

Last of all, opposing the death penalty does not mean a person condones brutal crimes or excuses the people who commit them. Conservatives and liberals are making up their minds for pragmatic reasons as well as moral ones. I believe that the dialogue on the death penalty should be based on verifiable facts. People should make up their minds using common sense not revenge.

Answer 2

I don't think you can group them into a category. People are individuals and all have individual opinions. I am a Christian, but I do agree with the death penalty for murderers, rapists and child molestors. I know other Christians who wholeheartedly oppose it.

Answer 3

I am for it. I can't speak for groups only myself.