Why is the US the only industrialized country that still has death penalty?

Answer 1

Didn't China just execute the guy responsible for tainted products who took bribes?

Some crimes are truly worthy of the person responsible being removed from this planet.

Answer 2

We have been a very punitive society. Here are answers to questions about the practical aspects of the deaht penalty system, with sources listed below. With the growing number of innocent people released from death row, Americans are taking a closer look at the system. I didn't find references to facts in many answers you received.

What about the risk of executing innocent people?
124 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence.

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. (Note to suthrnlyts2004)

Doesn't the death penalty prevent others from committing murder?
No reputable study shows the death penalty to be a deterrent. To be a deterrent a punishment must be sure and swift. The death penalty is neither. Homicide rates are higher in states and regions that have it than in states that do not.

So, what are the alternatives?
Life without parole is now on the books in 48 states. It means what it says. It is sure and swift and rarely appealed. Life without parole is less expensive than the death penalty.

But isn't the death penalty cheaper than keeping criminals in prison?
The death penalty costs much more than life in prison, largely because of the legal process. Extra costs include those 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 and subsequent appeals. There are more cost effective ways to prevent and control crime.

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?
Over 50 of the innocent people released from death row had already served over a decade. 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.

Answer 3

I don't think we use it enough, I would be happy to provide the ammo. I think people should get one appeal and if that doesn't work a bullet in the head within 5 minutes, everyone needs a chance to pray right. I reload all of my own ammunition and would be happy to give our justice department all they need for free. That would be much better then paying thousands of dollars a year to keep death row inmates alive. For all of you people that do not believe in the death penalty I have a challenge for you. Put a big sign out in your front yard saying " I have lots of cash, no firearms, love to watch my children being raped and the keys to the BMW are in the glove box. By the way I will not speak bad about you in court because I think prison is bad and we can cure you with happy words."
There are alot more people that need killing then what we are doing.

Answer 4

Ten years ago, I might have agreed, but based on DNA testing that is available today which provides positive proof of guilt, I'm no longer concerned that innocent people are facing a death penalty.

To some it might seem like a barbaric way of doing things, but to me it's not. Some of the crimes that have been committed are beyond imagination and I firmly believe that there are those who deserve to pay with their lives.

I also think that we need laws in place that don't allow these people to waste tax payers money with their appeals.

Answer 5

Because the US is the only industrialized country that needs it?

Answer 6

Are Japan and England not industrialized countries? Also, look at the crime rate in France and ask yourself if you want the same thing over here.

Answer 7

Are you afraid of the death penalty?

Good, then it's working.

Answer 8

Cause I sleep better at night knowing Ted Bundy, Aileen Wurnos, and a bunch of other ruthless killers aren't around anymore.

Answer 9

I don't know, exactly. Those other industrialized countries have just lost thier way, I guess.

Answer 10

Because we've got a better grasp on reality than the rest of the world?