2007-02-04 00:18:21 · 28 answers · asked by juststopit 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Many people are against the death penalty for practical reasons.
Here are some verifiable and sourced facts about it. (Some people who answered your question don't seem to have these facts.)
This is an issue that needs to be considered using verifiable facts. Here are a few.
Re: cost
The death penalty costs far more than life in prison. The extra costs begin even before the trial.
Re: Possibility of executing an innocent person
Over 120 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence. If we speed up the process we are bound to execute an innocent person.
Re: DNA
DNA evidence is available in no more than 10% of all murder cases. It is no guarantee that we will never execute an innocent person. It is human nature to make mistakes.
Re: Deterrence
The death penalty isn’t 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
48 states now have life without parole on the books. Life without parole means what it says. Being locked up in a tiny cell, 23 hours a day, with nothing to look forward to, is no picnic
Re: Who gets the death penalty
The death penalty isn’t 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
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.
Opposing the death penalty does not mean a person condones brutal crimes or excuses the people who commit them. People should make up their minds using common sense based on solid facts, not revenge.
2007-02-04 03:59:09 · answer #1 · answered by Susan S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The death penalty is completely barbaric. There is no justification for murder and that's what it is: murder. In addition to the fact that it's barbaric, I don't think these criminals deserve to die. It would be more fitting to make them rot away in prison, with nothing but time to contemplate and feel guilty over whatever they have done. Killing them is just letting them escape from their own guilt.
There is also the very important factor that someone could be falsely convicted. An innocent person charged as guilty could be freed from prison if the truth is revealed but there is no going back from death.
2007-02-04 08:29:32 · answer #2 · answered by Person M 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I believe that people that commit capital crimes should face the death penalty and that it is the duty of society to protect its population from these people. I believe that a murder is beyond redemption and should receive that which was given.
I do not think this duty pleasant, but I believe that it is more barbaric for a civilized society to care so little for its citizens, bearing a greater concern for the well being of murders and capital criminals, that allows these people to prey upon society.
What I do know is that every criminal executed has never commited another crime.
2007-02-04 08:45:55 · answer #3 · answered by DeSaxe 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is not a question of "barbaric" or not. It is simply a question of whether it is an effective method of protecting society. (because the law is for the protection of the law abiding, not for the "resocialisation" of those who wilfully break the law or those who- for WHATEVER reason are dangerous for the society)
If the execution was done within a few days of the sentencing (which should come within a few days of the arrest) then it may serve as a deterrent. Otherwise it is pointless- in which case I would prefer a life sentence- provided it IS FOR LIFE and not subject to "parole" for the 20th time.
IMO "barbaric" describes a situation where someone is arrested for the 8th rape or murder - and EACH TIME he was released on "parole" for "good behaviour".
My favoured place to keep those sentenced to life in prison would be the city ZOO. Each should be placed in a cage with a good description of why he found himself/herself in such a place. Then bring in the crowds so that they can see and (maybe) learn.
2007-02-04 08:32:54 · answer #4 · answered by cp_scipiom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes I believe in it and no I do not think it barbaric. I think it is rather kind compare to the treatment the victims of these vicious killers had. My only problem with the death penalty is that the appeals process is entirely too long and we are having to pay to support these monsters for far too long.
2007-02-04 08:36:34 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I am a conservative 100%- But the death penalty is barbaric -The state has no right to anyone's life.
2007-02-04 08:22:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I believe the worst part of the death penalty is the fact that it takes 20 years to carry it out.
If you're given the death penalty, you should have a 60 day window in which to appeal and executed on day 61.
On youtube.
2007-02-04 08:49:27 · answer #7 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When a person takes the life of a innocent person and did it with premeditation, then their lack of humanity to take that life deserves the ultimate penalty by death. yes it is barbaric, but paying to keep that criminal alive on my dime is more barbaric to me.
2007-02-04 08:45:21 · answer #8 · answered by meathead 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it is barbaric if used widely (ie for anything other than cold blooded murder)
But to be honest i couldnt care less what they do with a serial killer. I dont beleive in 'an eye for an eye'. But anyone who murder in cold blood on any number of occasions needs to be removed from society for ever, whether this be prison for life or the electric chair, i just dont care...
By the way im not some crazed republican im English and i vote labour....
2007-02-04 08:25:28 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't believe in it except for extreme cases like Timothy McVeigh. (Oklahoma City bombing)
Or except for serial killers. Some people make horrible mistakes when they are young and deserve punishment but not the death penalty. Some people deserve the death penalty, but I'd rather have them suffer for the rest of their life in prison.
It should be used spairingly if at all.
2007-02-04 08:28:59 · answer #10 · answered by Tumbleweed 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋