What are some very strong points to oppose the death penalty?

Question

Insert no religion into the argument, it won't help my research paper.

and providing sites with professional speakers can help. as well as books.

I am not giving my own point of view, this is for a debate team and I was chosen to oppose the death penalty, so keep in mind this isn't my own thoughts.

Answer 1

Here are a few with sources.

Risks of executing innocent people-
124 people on death rows have been released with evidence of their innocence. DNA is available in less than 10% of all homicides and isn’t a guarantee we won’t execute innocent people.

The death penalty doesn't 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 don’t.

We have a good alternative. 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.

The death penalty costs much more than life in prison, mostly because of the legal process which is supposed to prevent executions of innocent people.

The death penalty isn't reserved for the worst crimes, but for defendants with the worst lawyers. It doesn't apply to people with money. When is the last time a wealthy person was on death row, let alone executed?

The death penalty doesn't necessarily help families of murder victims. 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.

Problems with speeding 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.

Answer 2

Strong points to oppose the death penalty
hmmmm -- okay
You don't get to harass and make life a living hell
for that person any longer after they're put to death !!!

The individual gets a chance to speak their mind
get all their business accomplished and then are "eased" out
something that most of their victims did not get !!

And, they don't let you do this in cruel and inhumane ways !!!

Answer 3

1. Despite DNA testing there are still miscarriages of justice, and the victim cannot be compensated.

2. It amasses excessive power in the hands of the state.

3. It is does not work as a deterrant.

4. It is barbaric - this is essentially an aesthetic criticism.

Answer 4

You only want points to oppose the death penalty? Then, being much in favor of the death penalty, I can't help you. Research should investigate pro and con; otherwise it is only an opinion.

Answer 5

Amnesty International would be a good starting point (http://www.amnestyusa.org/abolish/dp_qa.html)

I believe in the death penalty, but not as we use it here in Texas.

Good luck on the research paper.

Answer 6

Opponents of capital punishment argue that it does not deter criminals more than life imprisonment, violates human rights, leads to executions of some who are wrongfully convicted, and discriminates against minorities and the poor.

but im strongly FOR capital punishment because......DEATH is much scarier than life of free shelter and food.....violating human rights? how bout the victim's rights?......that's why death sentence is ONLY given to people who are 100% garunteed guilty......discrimination....yes even though it's true and sad, but it will never change....doesn't matter if it's death penalty, health, education, politics.....the wealthy will always have the upper hand because the world is not fair

Answer 7

If the U.S. continues with the death penalty, they can't complain about China's death penalties.

Answer 8

It costs more, through legal fees, to execute the death penalty (no pun intended...maybe) than to just stick them in jail for the rest of their lives...

Answer 9

Attorneys are liars, Cops are liars, prosecutors won't let go even if the know the person is innocent.. No innocent person should die, and we are not good enough to get things right.

Answer 10

The death penalty has not proven to discourage others from killing