Should the death penalty be banned as a form of punishment?

Answer 1

I used to be VERY pro-death penalty, but I have changed my stance over the years, for several reasons:

1. By far the biggest reason is this: Sometimes our legal system gets it wrong. Look at all the criminals who are being released after years of imprisonment because they were exonerated by DNA evidence. No matter how rare it is, our government should not risk executing one single innocent person.

2. Because of the extra expense of prosecuting a DP case and the appeals process (which is necessary - see reason #1), it costs taxpayers MUCH more to execute prisoners than to imprison them for life.

3. The deterrent effect is questionable at best (I have seen studies that have actually shown the opposite effect--that violent crimes actually INCREASE in societies that employ the death penalty).

4. I also agree with those who say that death is too good for the dregs of our society. Let them wake up and go to bed every day of their lives in a prison cell, and think about the freedom they DON’T have, until they rot of old age.

5. The U.S. government is supposed to be secular, but for those who invoke Christian law in this debate, you can find arguments both for AND against the death penalty in the Bible. For example, Matthew 5:38-39 insists that violence shall not beget violence. 1 Peter 3:9 argues AGAINST “eye for an eye”-type justice. Leviticus 19:18 warns against vengeance (which, really, is what the death penalty amounts to). In John 8:7, Jesus himself says, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Answer 2

Absolutely, and there are at least two good reasons.
First, do you really want to give the government the right to execute people? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. If you think the government would always use this power for the good, I would suggest that you are naïve.
Second, suppose government could be entrusted to fairly and impartially administer the death penalty. My experience is that that all systems are flawed, and no matter how many checks and balances you put in the justice system, some innocent people will be executed. So if you believe in capital punishment, please identify what the acceptable error rate is, and after you have done that, please step forward and volunteer to be one of the “mistakes”.
I have served on three juries in my life, and the level of ineptitude I have witnessed is astounding. There is also, in spite of the Constitution, a de facto presumption of guilt among our fellow citizens. “Well he must be guilty or why else would he have been arrested.” Unless you have a good attorney, and that means lots of money, you’re screwed. Saying the system is flawed is an understatement.

Answer 3

I think I know where you're going with this question.
If I understand correctly, the death penalty should be banned not in attempt to rehabilitate those on death row but to not give them the easy way out.
If that's the case, yes ban the death penalty and let these people live a sub-standard life in jail until they die on their own terms. Let their crimes linger in their minds and let it replay over and over.

Answer 4

No. If anything I believe the whole process should be sped up to deter others from commiting the same crimes. Instead they figure they get spend the rest of the lives in the one of many 3 star hotels we have set up complete with cable tv, fitness centers, three meals a day, and free medical and dental, what could be better. Countries that have a clear defined death penalty that enforce it, will usually have a lower crime rate.

Answer 5

I believe what you assert. I had to learn this subject remember for a paper. I graduated with B.A. in criminal justice. You factors are supported with the aid of learn. I additionally agree that the hazards of harmless human beings being accomplished is extremely obtainable and that's taking place. In 2003 i got here upon in the learn that one million out 7 human beings on dying row have been harmless, which grew to become into additionally suggested with the aid of my professors. this would not advise that dying row inmates have been accomplished. It merely means they have been on dying row. I nevertheless proceed to be for the dying penalty yet i think of they want stricter standards to impose dying. The requirement on the 2nd is to tutor previous a existence like doubt to locate the defendant accountable. this suggests the if there's a 10% p.c. doubt that the defendant did no longer devote the crime he should not be convicted. this technique would not look to artwork if there are one million out 7 human beings on dying row even nevertheless with the aid of the percentages one million out 10 human beings ought to be harmless. I nevertheless experience that this proportion is severe and unacceptable. it would be decrease than one million% if any in any respect. i think of to impose dying the equipment ought to require probable data that they committed the homicide. they might desire to be one hundred% advantageous that they defendant committed the crime. i think of they might desire to offer up all executions until the equipment is reformed. i've got confidence in the dying penalty with the aid of fact of one reason, retribution for the sufferer and the sufferer's kin. in the event that they do no longer reform the standards, i might help the ban on the dying penalty with the aid of fact i've got confidence that there is an unacceptable volume of harmless human beings being accomplished. The state of Texas, the place I stay, devote greater executions than the different state. this could be a tragic actuality of this state.

Answer 6

Absolutely not! Just the idea of some aweful murderer or child rapist breathing still makes me nauseous. Can you imagine a parent of a child who's child was raped and murdered thinking about his or hers killer still breathing...still enjoying meals, still being able to "pleasure" himself, still enjoying a good mystery novel, etc...? They have access to computers, one right now has a my space. Manson published his songs, they recieve love letters. PPLLEEEZZZZZAn eye for an eye I say. And I'm a person who will catch a spider in my house and take it outside rather than kill it...

Answer 7

No.

It's implementation should be streamlined, though. The current system of waiting on 'death row' for decades strikes me as more 'cruel and unusual' than a speedy trial and execution.

Answer 8

Yes!

It's not a deterrant. It's not uniformly applied. It's very expensive (life in prison with no chance of parole is much cheaper). We know that eyewittness testimony is highly unreliable for identification.

Answer 9

Nope.

There are some people who are unable to be rehabilitated, and are a danger even locked up. There's no reason those people should be kept alive.

Answer 10

Democrats believe it should be banned.
Democrats believe that murderers, child killers, and rapist killers can all be "Cured" by:
1. Taking "Sensitivity Classes".
2. By being given "Big Democrat Hugs".

By doing that, all our prisons can be emptied and shut down.