are you for or against the death penalty????

Question

I think it's just giving the criminals the easy way out. What do you think???

Answer 1

This question is a difficult question to give a snap answer to. I'm sure there are people who went to their death for crimes they did not commit. With a long or life sentence these people have a chance or being eventally proven innocent. BUT, at the same time, when I read about a child being brutilized by a sadist I feel that I could pull that switch myself So, my answer is I really don't know. I have mixed feelings on the subject.

Answer 2

This isn't a simple yes or no question.

I prefer a case-by-case analysis. What did this person do? What is he capable of achieving by continuing to live? Can he help control other prisoners in some way? Will he reach a state of contrition? Will he provide information that might prevent future crimes in some way? Can he be studied to learn how he ended up doing what he did... and will that info help humanity? Can he be a test subject for rehabilitation even if he can never be released?

Is there ANY doubt that he is guilty? Too many people have already died for crimes they didn't commit. Memory is faulty. We remember what works for us. This doesn't always bring out the truth. The legal system is based on the faulty memories every human lives with.

For the most part people who are for it want revenge which really isn't anything you can take to the bank or use to enrich your life. It just helps you live in anger.

Those who are against think allowing someone to live is more humane than allowing them to die. I disagree. In many cases death is the more humane option. I often think that if the people that protest the death penalty really wanted the best outcome for the individual on death row, they might be more supportive of the death penalty.

Answer 3

I oppose it because it is not an effective way of preventing or reducing crime. Here are some facts about the practical issues surrounding this issue. I think that facts and common sense are better ways to think about this than quick sound bites. All of the info I am giving is sourced (see below)

Isn't the death penalty cheaper than keeping criminals in prison?
The death penalty costs much more than life in prison. Much of the extra costs is due to the complicated nature of both the pre trial investigation and of the trials (involving 2 separate stages, mandated by the Supreme Court) in death penalty cases. There are more cost effective ways to prevent and control crime.

What about the risk of executing innocent people?
Over 120 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence, many having already served over 2 decades on death row.

Doesn't DNA keep new cases like these from happening?
DNA is available in less than 10% of all homicides. It is not a guarantee against the execution of innocent people.

Doesn't the death penalty prevent others from committing murder?
No reputable study shows the death penalty to be a deterrent. Homicide rates are higher in states that have it than in states that do not. Most killers don't think about the consequences anyway. They do not think they will be caught (if they think at all.)

So, what are the alternatives?
Life without parole is now on the books in 48 states. It means what it says. Supermax prisons are terrible places to spend the rest of your life. Life without parole is less expensive than the death penalty.

What about the very worst crimes?
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??

Doesn't the death penalty help families of murder victims?
Not necessarily. Murder victim family members across the country argue that the drawn-out death penalty process is painful for them and that life without parole is an appropriate alternative.

So, why don't we speed up the process?
Many of the 123 innocent people released from death row had already been there for over 2 decades. If the process is speeded up we are sure to execute an innocent person.

But don't Americans prefer the death penalty as the most serious punishment?
Not any more. People are rethinking their views, given the facts and the records on innocent people sentenced to death. According to a Gallup Poll, in 2006, 47% of all Americans prefer capital punishment while 48% prefer life without parole. Americans are learning the facts and making up their minds using common sense, not eye for an eye slogans.

Answer 4

Difficult question since everyone agrees that not everyone on death row is guilty. Look at the hundred or so people on death row nationally that have been cleared by DNA evidence.

Eyewitness testimony isn't very good.

Answer 5

If that person is considered by the courts to be a continual threat and could kill again, then yes. Why give him free room and board and a nice TV for the remainder of his life?

Answer 6

I'm for it all the way. For example, if Cho Seung-Hui hadn't killed himself Monday, I'd be calling for the death penalty as well as, I'm sure, many others would. Some one who does something that horrible deserves to die. Period.

Answer 7

i'm for the death penalty

Answer 8

whatever they if they want to sit in jail all there life then cool but the government is wasting money but feeding them when they have a life sentence of up to 3

Answer 9

For it, just kill them and get them out of here!

Answer 10

For. It should be more painful and used for all violent crimes