thesis statement example for death penalty

Death Penalty - Essay Samples And Topic Ideas For Free

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, remains a contentious issue in many societies. Essays on this topic could explore the moral, legal, and social arguments surrounding the practice, including discussions on retribution, deterrence, and justice. They might delve into historical trends in the application of the death penalty, the potential for judicial error, and the disparities in its application across different demographic groups. Discussions might also explore the psychological impact on inmates, the families involved, and the society at large. They could also analyze the global trends toward abolition or retention of the death penalty and the factors influencing these trends. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Death Penalty you can find at Papersowl. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Death Penalty and Justice

By now, many of us are familiar with the statement, "an eye for an eye," which came from the bible, so it should be followed as holy writ. Then there was Gandhi, who inspired thousands and said, "an eye for an eye will leave us all blind." This begs the question, which option do we pick to be a good moral agent, in the terms of justice that is. Some states in America practice the death penalty, where some states […]

The Controversy of Death Penalty

The death penalty is a very controversial topic in many states. Although the idea of the death penalty does sound terrifying, would you really want a murderer to be given food and shelter for free? Would you want a murderer to get out of jail and still end up killing another innocent person? Imagine if that murder gets out of jail and kills someone in your family; Wouldn’t you want that murderer to be killed as well? Murderers can kill […]

Stephen Nathanson’s “An Eye for an Eye”

According to Stephen Nathanson's "An Eye for an Eye?", he believes that capital punishment should be immediately abolished and that the principle of punishment, "lex talionis" which correlates to the classic saying "an eye for an eye" is not a valid reason for issuing the death penalty in any country, thus, abolishment of Capital Punishment should follow. Throughout the excerpt from his book, Nathanson argues against this principle believing that one, it forces us to "commit highly immoral actions”raping a […]

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Does the Death Penalty Effectively Deter Crime?

The death penalty in America has been effective since 1608. Throughout the years following the first execution, criminal behaviors have begun to deteriorate. Capital punishment was first formed to deter crime and treason. As a result, it increased the rate of crime, according to researchers. Punishing criminals by death does not effectively deter crime because criminals are not concerned with consequences, apprehension, and judges are not willing to pay the expenses. During the stage of mens rea, thoughts of committing […]

The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?

The death penalty has been a controversial topic throughout the years and now more than ever, as we argue; Right or Wrong? Moral or Immoral? Constitutional or Unconstitutional? The death penalty also known as capital punishment is a legal process where the state justice sentences an individual to be executed as punishment for a crime committed. The death penalty sentence strongly depends on the severity of the crime, in the US there are 41 crimes that can lead to being […]

About Carlton Franklin

In most other situations, the long-unsolved Westfield Murder would have been a death penalty case. A 57-year-old legal secretary, Lena Triano, was found tied up, raped, beaten, and stabbed in her New Jersey home. A DNA sample from her undergarments connected Carlton Franklin to the scene of the crime. However, fortunately enough for Franklin, he was not convicted until almost four decades after the murder and, in an unusual turn of events, was tried in juvenile court. Franklin was fifteen […]

About the Death Penalty

The death penalty has been a method used as far back as the Eighteenth century B.C. The use of the death penalty was for punishing people for committing relentless crimes. The severity of the punishment were much more inferior in comparison to modern day. These inferior punishments included boiling live bodies, burning at the stake, hanging, and extensive use of the guillotine to decapitate criminals. In the ancient days no laws were established to dictate and regulate the type of […]

The Death Penalty should not be Legal

Imagine you hit your sibling and your mom hits you back to teach that you shouldn't be hitting anyone. Do you really learn not to be violent from that or instead do you learn how it is okay for moms or dads to hit their children in order to teach them something? This is exactly how the death penalty works. The death penalty has been a form of punishment for decades. There are several methods of execution and those are […]

Effectively Solving Society’s Criminality

Has one ever wondered if the person standing or sitting next to them has the potential to be a murderer or a rapist? What do those who are victimized personally or have suffered from a tragic event involving a loved-one or someone near and dear to their heart, expect from the government? Convicted felons of this nature and degree of unlawfulness should be sentenced to death. Psychotic killers and rapists need the ultimate consequences such as the death penalty for […]

Religious Values and Death Penalty

Religious and moral values tell us that killing is wrong. Thou shall not kill. To me, the death penalty is inhumane. Killing people makes us like the murderers that most of us despise. No imperfect system should have the right to decide who lives and who dies. The government is made up of imperfect humans, who make mistakes. The only person that should be able to take life, is god. "An eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind". […]

Abolishment of the Death Penalty

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to relate many different criminological theories in regard to capital punishment. We relate many criminological theories such as; cognitive theory, deviant place theory, latent trait theory, differential association theory, behavioral theory, attachment theory, lifestyle theory, and biosocial theory. This paper empirically analyzes the idea that capital punishment is inhumane and should be abolished. We analyze this by taking into consideration false convictions, deterrence of crime, attitudes towards capital punishment, mental illness and juvenile […]

Punishment and the Nature of the Crime

When an individual commits a crime then he/she is given punishment depending on the nature of the crime committed. The US's way of giving punishment to an offender has been criticized for many years. There are 2 types of cases; civil and criminal cases. In civil cases, most of the verdict comprises of jail time or fine amount to be paid. These are not as severe except the one related to money laundering and forgery. On the other hand, criminal […]

The Death Penalty and Juveniles

Introduction: In today's society, many juveniles are being sent to trial without having the chance of getting a fair trial as anyone else would. Many citizens would see juveniles as dangerous individuals, but in my opinion how a teenager acts at home starts at home. Punishing a child for something that could have been solved at home is something that should not have to get worse by giving them the death penalty. The death penalty should not be imposed on […]

Is the Death Penalty “Humane”

What’s the first thing that pops up in your mind when you hear the words Capital Punishment? I’m assuming for most people the first thing that pops up is a criminal sitting on a chair, with all limbs tied down, and some type of mechanism connected to their head. Even though this really isn't the way that it is done, I do not blame people for imagining that type of image because that is how movies usually portray capital punishment. […]

Euthanasia and Death Penalty

Euthanasia and death penalty are two controversy topics, that get a lot of attention in today's life. The subject itself has the roots deep in the beginning of the humankind. It is interesting and maybe useful to learn the answer and if there is right or wrong in those actions. The decision if a person should live or die depends on the state laws. There are both opponents and supporters of the subject. However different the opinions are, the state […]

The Death Penalty is not Worth the Cost

The death penalty is a government practice, used as a punishment for capital crimes such as treason, murder, and genocide to name a few. It has been a controversial topic for many years some countries still use it while others don't. In the United States, each state gets to choose whether they consider it to be legal or not. Which is why in this country 30 states allow it while 20 states have gotten rid of it. It is controversial […]

Ineffectiveness of Death Penalty

Death penalty as a means of punishing crime and discouraging wrong behaviour has suffered opposition from various fronts. Religious leaders argue that it is morally wrong to take someone's life while liberal thinkers claim that there are better ways to punish wrong behaviour other than the death penalty. This debate rages on while statistically, Texas executes more individuals than any other state in the United States of America. America itself also has the highest number of death penalty related deaths […]

Is the Death Penalty Morally Right?

There have been several disputes on whether the death penalty is morally right. Considering the ethical issues with this punishment can help distinguish if it should be denied or accepted. For example, it can be argued that a criminal of extreme offenses should be granted the same level of penance as their crime. During the duration of their sentencing they could repent on their actions and desire another opportunity of freedom. The death penalty should be outlawed because of too […]

Why the Death Penalty is Unjust

Capital punishment being either a justifiable law, or a horrendous, unjust act can be determined based on the perspective of different worldviews. In a traditional Christian perspective, the word of God given to the world in The Holy Bible should only be abided by. The Holy Bible states that no man (or woman) should shed the blood of another man (or woman). Christians are taught to teach a greater amount of sacrifice for the sake of the Lord. Social justice […]

The Death Penalty and People’s Opinions

The death penalty is a highly debated topic that often divided opinion amongst people all around the world. Firstly, let's take a look at our capital punishments, with certain crimes, come different serving times. Most crimes include treason, espionage, murder, large-scale drug trafficking, and murder towards a juror, witness, or a court officer in some cases. These are a few examples compared to the forty-one federal capital offenses to date. When it comes to the death penalty, there are certain […]

The Debate of the Death Penalty

Capital punishment is a moral issue that is often scrutinized due to the taking of someone’s life. This is in large part because of the views many have toward the rule of law or an acceptance to the status quo. In order to get a true scope of the death penalty, it is best to address potential biases from a particular ethical viewpoint. By looking at it from several theories of punishment, selecting the most viable theory makes it a […]

The History of the Death Penalty

The History of the death penalty goes as far back as ancient China and Babylon. However, the first recorded death sentence took place in 16th Century BC Egypt, where executions were carried out with an ax. Since the very beginning, people were treated according to their social status; those wealthy were rarely facing brutal executions; on the contrary, most of the population was facing cruel executions. For instance, in the 5th Century BC, the Roman Law of the Twelve Tablets […]

Death Penalty is Immoral

Let's say your child grabs a plate purposely. You see them grab the plate, smash it on the ground and look you straight in the eyes. Are they deserving of a punishment? Now what if I say your child is three years old. A three year old typically doesn't know they have done something wrong. But since your child broke that one plate, your kid is being put on death row. You may be thinking, that is too harsh of […]

The Death Penalty in the United States

The United States is the "land of the free, home of the brave" and the death penalty (American National Anthem). Globally, America stands number five in carrying executions (Lockie). Since its resurrection in 1976, the year in which the Supreme Court reestablished the constitutionality of the death penalty, more than 1,264 people have been executed, predominantly by the medium of lethal injection (The Guardian). Almost all death penalty cases entangle the execution of assassins; although, they may also be applied […]

Cost of the Death Penalty

The death penalty costs more than life in prison. According to Fox News correspondent Dan Springer, the State of California spent 4 billion dollars to execute 13 individuals, in addition to the net spend of an estimated $64,000 per prisoner every year. Springer (2011) documents how the death penalty convictions declined due to economic reasons. The state spends up to 3 times more when seeking a death penalty than when pursuing a life in prison without the possibility of parole. […]

The Solution to the Death Penalty

There has never been a time when the United States of America was free from criminals indulging in killing, stealing, exploiting people, and even selling illegal items. Naturally, America refuses to tolerate the crimes committed by those who view themselves as above the law. Once these convicts are apprehended, they are brought to justice. In the past, these criminals often faced an ultimate punishment: the death penalty. Mercy was a foreign concept due to their underdeveloped understanding of the value […]

Costs: Death Penalty Versus Prison Costs

The Conservatives Concerned Organization challenges the notion that the death penalty is more cost effective compared to prison housing and feeding costs. The organization argues that the death penalty is an expensive lengthy and complicated process concluding that it is not only a bloated program that delays justice and bogs down the enforcement of the law, it is also an inefficient justice process that diverts financial resources from law enforcement programs that could protect individuals and save lives. According to […]

Death Penalty as a Source of Constant Controversy

The death penalty has been a source of almost constant controversy for hundreds of years, splitting the population down the middle with people supporting the death penalty and people that think it is unnecessary. The amount of people that are been against the death penalty has grown in recent years, causing the amount of executions to dwindle down to where there is less than one hundred every year. This number will continue to lessen as more and more people decide […]

Death Penalty is Politically Just?

Being wrongfully accused is unimaginable, but think if you were wrongfully accused and the ultimate punishment was death. Death penalty is one of the most controversial issues in today's society, but what is politically just? When a crime is committed most assume that the only acceptable consequence is to be put to death rather than thinking of another form of punishment. Religiously the death penalty is unfair because the, "USCCB concludes prisoners can change and find redemption through ministry outreach, […]

George Walker Bush and Death Penalty

George Walker Bush, a former U.S. president, and governor of Texas, once spoke, "I don't think you should support the death penalty to seek revenge. I don't think that's right. I think the reason to support the death penalty is because it saves other people's lives." The death penalty, or capital punishment, refers to the execution of a criminal convicted of a capital offense. With many criminals awaiting execution on death row, the death penalty has been a debated topic […]

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How To Write an Essay About Death Penalty

Understanding the topic.

When writing an essay about the death penalty, the first step is to understand the depth and complexities of the topic. The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is a legal process where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. This topic is highly controversial and evokes strong emotions on both sides of the debate. It's crucial to approach this subject with sensitivity and a balanced perspective, acknowledging the moral, legal, and ethical considerations involved. Research is key in this initial phase, as it's important to gather facts, statistics, and viewpoints from various sources to have a well-rounded understanding of the topic. This foundation will set the tone for your essay, guiding your argument and supporting your thesis.

Structuring the Argument

The next step is structuring your argument. In an essay about the death penalty, it's vital to present a clear thesis statement that outlines your stance on the issue. Are you for or against it? What are the reasons behind your position? The body of your essay should then systematically support your thesis through well-structured arguments. Each paragraph should focus on a specific aspect of the death penalty, such as its ethical implications, its effectiveness as a deterrent to crime, or the risk of wrongful convictions. Ensure that each point is backed up by evidence and examples, and remember to address counterarguments. This not only shows that you have considered multiple viewpoints but also strengthens your position by demonstrating why these opposing arguments may be less valid.

Exploring Ethical and Moral Dimensions

An essential aspect of writing an essay on the death penalty is exploring its ethical and moral dimensions. This involves delving into philosophical debates about the value of human life, justice, and retribution. It's important to discuss the moral justifications that are often used to defend the death penalty, such as the idea of 'an eye for an eye,' and to critically evaluate these arguments. Equally important is exploring the ethical arguments against the death penalty, including the potential for innocent people to be executed and the question of whether the state should have the power to take a life. This section of the essay should challenge readers to think deeply about their values and the principles of a just society.

Concluding Thoughts

In conclusion, revisit your thesis and summarize the key points made in your essay. This is your final opportunity to reinforce your argument and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Discuss the broader implications of the death penalty in society and consider potential future developments in this area. You might also want to offer recommendations or pose questions that encourage further reflection on the topic. Remember, a strong conclusion doesn't just restate what has been said; it provides closure and offers new insights, prompting readers to continue thinking about the subject long after they have finished reading your essay.

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Death Penalty Essay Introduction — a Quick Guide

Table of Contents

The death penalty is a state-sanctioned practice where an individual is executed for an offense punishable through such means. Death penalty essay is a common topic given to students where the essay writer argues this controversial issue and takes a stand. The death penalty essay intro consists of the opening sentence, the background information, and the thesis statement.

Writing a compelling introduction isn’t easy. But with the tips and examples in this guide, you’ll be able to write a captivating introduction.

What Is a Death Penalty Essay?

The death penalty is the practice of executing a person guilty of capital murder, a crime in which the loss of life is intentional. This method of punishment has been around for as long as human civilization.

The death penalty has been controversial for a long time, with people on both sides of the fence. Supporters claim it works to deter crime, but there is no evidence to prove it. Opposers claim it is cruel and is not the best way to serve justice. 

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. This essay topic is a typical assignment given to college students. Common death penalty essay topics are as follows:

• About the Death Penalty
• Does the Death Penalty effectively deter crime?
• The Death Penalty should not be legal
• The Death Penalty should be abolished.
• Death Penalty and Justice
• Pro-Death Penalty
• Is the Death Penalty Morally Right?
• Death Penalty is Immoral
• Religious Values and Death Penalty
• Ineffectiveness of Death Penalty
• Punishment and the Nature of the Crime
• The Death Penalty and Juveniles.
• Is the Death Penalty Effective?
• The Death Penalty is Politically Just
• The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?
• Abolishment of the Death Penalty
• The Death Penalty and People’s Opinions
• Is Death Penalty Humane?

How to Write an Interesting Death Penalty Essay Intro

Like other essays, the death penalty essay intro comprises three parts. The hook, a strong opening sentence, grips the reader, sparks their curiosity, and compels them to read the rest of the piece.

Subsequent sentences provide background information on the topic and define the argument’s terms. The last part is the thesis statement, which summarizes the central focus of the essay.

1. the Opening Sentence/Hook

The hook is a statement that grips the reader’s attention and makes them want to read on . The hook should be an exciting statement that sparks the readers’ curiosity, and sets the tone for the essay. It should give an overview of the topic. You could begin with a thought-provoking question, an interesting quote, an exciting anecdote, or a shocking statistic or fact. 

2. Background Information

Provide more information about the subject you are discussing. Create context and give background information on the topic. It could be a social or historical context. Define key terms that the reader might find confusing and clearly but concisely state why the issue is important.

3. Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the overarching idea – the central focus of the essay. It summarizes the idea that you’ll be explaining throughout the entirety of the piece. Once this statement has been established, you’ll smoothly transition into the main body of your essay. Make the thesis clear and concise. 

Death Penalty Essay Introduction Example

Does the death penalty deter crime, especially murder? The death penalty has been controversial for years. Over the years, public opinion about the death penalty seems to have changed. But there are still people who think it is a proper punishment. I have heard the phrase “An eye for an eye” most of my life. Most people firmly believe that if a criminal took someone’s life, their lives should be taken away too. But I don’t think that will discourage anyone from committing crimes. I believe that the criminal should be given a lighter punishment. 

The death penalty or capital punishment is the execution of a criminal by a government as punishment for a crime. In the United States, the death penalty is the most common form of sentence in murder cases.

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. The essay introduction begins with an attention-grabber , followed by background information on the topic and then the thesis statement.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Death Penalty Thesis

Death penalty thesis statement.

While the death penalty has no history because it was born with humanity, the doctrine distinguishes two major phases in the history of capital punishment that separates the eighteenth century. Thus, prior to this, the death penalty was applied to a large number of crimes and its various forms of execution were characterized not only by killing, but by doing so producing the greatest torments and suffering to the victim.

From the illustration to the present, both a noticeable decrease in executions and a decrease in the catalog of crimes punishing the death penalty, which generally reduces, in the countries that recognize it, to the qualified homicides, child rapes or illicit drug trafficking. Contemporary states have gone from an inordinate extension of the death penalty to an exceptional, scarce and infrequent application of the death penalty. In this new configuration the democratic principles of humanity, equality, fraternity and the monitoring of Human Rights in contemporary society have influenced.

Nowadays, the legal treatment of the death penalty varies between an extreme abolitionism, for which the death penalty is not applied to any crime (Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Portugal, Uruguay and Venezuela) , and a moderate conservatism, which is characterized by restricting its application, to a certain number of crimes (Saudi Arabia, China, USA, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru), passing, previously, by an exceptional conservatism, reserved for crimes derived from an emergency situation, as is the case of foreign war (Spain, Italy, Peru in the period between 1979 and 1993)

Death penalty thesis: arguments that are used in favor of the death penalty

The arguments that are used in favor of the death penalty try to demonstrate appealing to rational or emotional criteria, the coexistence of its establishment or conservation in a certain legal system:

a) Historical origin. In line with thesis statement about death penalty, it is pointed out that the death penalty has been practiced by all peoples and at all times and still survives today in some fully developed nations like the USA. Its eradication of the punitive catalog would not make sense because humanity throughout its history has shown itself favorable to its application. It is also pointed out that the restriction of capital punishment does not necessarily imply its disappearance.

b) Preventive effect. Faced with the commission of crimes and serious crimes, the immediate, indifferent and prompt application of capital punishment thesis is postulated with the aim of restoring the normative trust of society in legal norms and law. By executing the culprit, society recovers from the commotion produced by the perpetration of the crimes and potential criminals are intimidated and persuaded about the consequences that their criminal act can bring. The severity of the sanction has a double effect; On the one hand, it allows society to rekindle its confidence in the norms and renew your faith in the law, and on the other hand help to instill fear to all who intend to commit criminal offenses.

c) Criteria of Justice or remuneration. This postulate states that capital punishment is justified on the basis of justice reasons that are summarized, according to the approach of Kant, in a categorical imperative: “You have killed a man, and then you must die.” The penalty, according to this criterion, does not have a preventive sense, but mainly a retributive one that is imposed for the crime committed. St. Thomas Aquinas already pointed out that in the same way that the surgeon must amputate the arm to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body; thus, the delinquent must also be eliminated to avoid contaminating society.

d) Utility Criterion. According to criterion of thesis statement on death penalty, capital punishment favors the offender, the treasury and society. The offender benefits because he is provided with a quick and immediate death instead of spending his life “buried alive” in a prison. The supposed utility to the treasury is manifested in the high cost that represents the maintenance of the wrongdoer that is opposed to the lowest sum of the cost of execution. The social benefit would be achieved, in relation to preventive criteria, when society escapes the dangerous presence of the criminal, counteracts the inclination to crime.

Thesis statement for capital punishment: Criminal Code of our country

Deputies from two political parties have proposed a bill so that the death penalty, already contemplated in the Criminal Code of our country, can be imposed on kidnappers, murderers, parricides, sexual violators and perpetrators of enforced disappearance. Allow me to expose, on the death penalty, some theses.

The majority of Guatemalan citizens approve imposing the death penalty, in line with capital punishment thesis statement, on those who commit very serious crimes, such as murder. However, invoking that majority is not precisely the best argument to impose the death penalty. It could be only a minority of citizens who approved to impose it; which would not imply that, then, it should not be imposed. Of course, if a controversy arises over the imposition or non-imposition of the death penalty and until a threatening foreign opposition arises to impose it, consulting the citizens would be an ideal resource.

The death penalty is not completely dissuasive. That is to say, it does not prevent someone from committing the very serious crimes that with the imposition of that penalty are intended to punish. In general, no criminal law can be completely dissuasive; and murders are committed even if the death penalty is imposed on those who commit them, as well as robberies even if a penalty of imprisonment is imposed on those who commit them. It is not valid, then, to argue that the death penalty is useless because it does not prevent murders from being committed, nor is it valid to argue that imprisonment for committing robberies is useless because it does not prevent robberies from being committed.

According to the thesis statement for capital punishment, reliable statistical research shows a correlation, particularly between the imposition of the death penalty and the reduction of murders. They even show a correlation between moratorium on the imposition of that penalty, and an increase in those crimes. One of the investigations was undertaken by professors specializing in crime economics, H. Naci Mocan and R. Kaj Gittings, from the University of Colorado. One of his conclusions was that “each additional execution reduces between five and six the number of homicides; but three additional pardons increase between one and 1.5 the number of homicides.

No legislative, judicial or executive authority should have the power to grant the remedy of grace to those who have been sentenced to death, after the due judicial process has been fully complied with. In this thesis, it is implicit that no authority can have the power to replace the death penalty with a prison sentence, even if it is life imprisonment. The sentence dictated by the judge must be fulfilled. Precisely the appeal of grace can reduce the dissuasive effect of the death penalty.

The right to life cannot be the right of those who have committed very serious crimes, such as kidnapping and murder, and also the right of those who have not committed those crimes. My opinion is that who commits very serious crimes, loses the right to life. It is unworthy to live. It is a social curse that must be eliminated. It can be argued that, in the case of Guatemala, the State protects life; but to protect life it may be necessary that the State itself, that is, the entire legal community of citizens, through the legitimate judicial authority, order the elimination of those who have committed very serious crimes.

The death penalty, while not completely dissuasive, can help save the lives of tens or hundreds of innocent human beings.

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Death Penalty Is Not Effective

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Background information

The death penalty has been a tool that has been used for centuries to punish those that commit heinous crimes. The death penalty has been a debatable issue for years with its concepts of deterrence, just punishment, and retribution being disagreed upon. For it to be performed, there should be a legal trial. Capital crimes fall into this category like murderers, adultery, rape and some types of frauds. This form of punishment was introduced in the 18th century B.C. in the reign of King Hammurabi of Babylon (Good, 1967).  He codified the punishment for 25 different crimes.in the 7th century B.C. the draconian code of Athens made death penalty the only form of punishment for all crimes. In the 5th B.C., the Romans were carrying out this form (from the 12 tablets) of punishment through crucifixions, drowning, burning alive as well as impalement (Smith, 2012). In the 10th century A.D, Britain was carrying out death penalty through hanging. William Conqueror was however against death penalty during his reign. However, Henry VII reign had approximately 7200 people executed through quartering, beheadings, hanging, boiling and burning at stake (Block & Hostettler, 1997).

Thesis statement

The death penalty is not effective and should be dropped as a form of punishment.

The assumption can be considered as the only fact that rings in peoples’ mind when they make the statement that death penalty is an effective deterrence. However, it should be noted that assumption is far from facts. There lacks sufficient evidence to prove that such a capital punishment can work as a form of deterrence. It is greatly assumed that the great fear of receiving such punishment or justice can deter murder or other crimes that deserve this form of punishment. If this were true, then people would not do drugs, speed on highways because of the fear of being prosecuted.

Human behavior and history have shown that the rational human instincts do not prevent people from committing crimes. If it did, then we would never use the death penalty. Would just inform the population of the law and it would be afraid so much to never commit a crime again. It is unfortunate that there are those who commit crimes out of passion and care less of the possible repercussions. With or without the capital punishment, people will are bound to commit crimes. It is, therefore, worth pointing out that the death penalty option is never a conclusive evidence or justification in the criminal justice system as a means of deterrence in preventing people from committing crimes.

In Canada, the act of carrying out death penalty has proved to be an ineffective form of deterrence. The country decided to abolish this form of punishment in 1976 and sought other means of punishing capital crimes. A year earlier, there were approximately 721 homicide cases committed in the country (Chandlier, 1976). In 2001, Canada had a total of 554 cases of homicide which translated to a 23% decline in homicides committed before the abolition of the death penalty punishment.  If the death penalty was for sure a form of deterrence, then it can be questioned why there were 167 more cases of homicide that were committed when the country had enforced the death penalty. In 1999, 5.7 million homicides in every 100 00 people were recorded, while the rate of homicide in the U.S was almost three times lower with figures standing at 1.8 million in the same population sample (Banner & Banner, 2009).

along with the 110 states that have declared capital punishment as illegal, the European non-death penalty nation’s data reveals that the U.S has more than two times the number of homicides that of Europe (Shin, 2007). This is another apt example of nations that do not have capital punishment with lower rates of homicides than their counterparts that enforces the death penalty. However, it is worth noting that these statistics do not mean that country that carries out the death penalty cause a brutalization effect. They, in the real sense, show the evidence that deterrence is not in any way causing a decline in the number of reported homicide cases per year.

The American society of criminology, The Academy of Criminal of criminal justice and the law and society association carried out a survey concerning thee capital punishment. A large majority of those that were interviewed believed that the punishment is not a proven deterrence method to homicide. More than 80% of those interviewed had a strong belief that present research fails to support a deterrence effect as far as the death penalty is concerned. Some criminologists do suggest that the death penalty causes more homicides annually. The brutalization effect has it that the rates of homicides will tend to go up because of the executions in states.

One might pose the question of how the active and potential murders are influenced by the actions of the state. They are more affected the simple explanation by the phrase, ‘you murder, and we execute you’. From this generalization, we can come up with the idea that the death penalty would serve as a form of deterrence. However, it is unfortunate that the statistics fail to go along with the idea that deterrence is effective. In the real sense, the criminals can be considered as not being affected psychologically in whichever the direction. Hence drawing a conclusion that death penalty is not a good form of deterrence and cannot deter people from committing crimes.

Many types of research have shown that the capital punishment as well life imprisonment have the same deterrence effect. A scholar by the name Professor Isaac Ehrlich who is a writer and an economist developed a theory of deterrence. The theory posited that capital punishment was a form of deterrence. He used complex mathematical equations to prove that some people were saved by the virtue of the fact that death penalty was in place (Ehrlich, 1973). He mentioned that in every execution between the years 1933 and 1969 had successfully deterred criminals from committing approximately eight homicides. His study was hailed by many as a breakthrough in as far as the study of deterrence was considered, and he, therefore, gained a nationwide popularity. However, there were many critiques of his work by conceptual and methodological misunderstandings. More so, the research failed to gain respect because deterrence in some instances is difficult to formulate equations. It is also difficult to calculate a ratio of those people saved by the deterrence because most of the research tend to suggestive instead of being definitive.

Besides, in Ehrlich’s works, it is difficult to conclude from a perspective being so many experts in this field contradict each other on the on the death penalty as a deterrent. A part from the contradicting views by the scholars on the field, there are no statistics that show that the rate of homicide is lower in those states that have the death penalty. His idea can be considered as being noble but fails to have concrete proof to back it up. He also failed to publish any work that can be considered credible on the field of deterrence on the death penalty.

The scenario involving attorney Diane Marshall can be used as a case study to prove the ineffectiveness of death penalty. One convicted murder told him that even if people are told that they are going to be boiled in oil, they would not be deterred because criminals have it in mind that they will not be caught in crime. Criminals most of the times fail to stop and think about the possible consequences of the actions they are about to undertake. It had been suggested that public execution was a good way of making criminals think of the repercussion of their actions. It was common in cities and towns in the United States and served as a long-lasting emotional and visual dramatization that made people think more of the consequences of crime. However, in the 1880s, this method ceased being operational. This was because was barbaric and intentionally undercut the deterrence function. The society has been considered as having a long history of using punishment as a means of scaring people from committing crimes. The fact that the opinions of many are that the society has the highest interest in curbing murder and, therefore, should use the highest form of deterrence. This deterrent is the death penalty. This has been championed by the popular view that in instances where murderers are killed, potential future murderers will be deterred by the instilled fear of losing the life. However, it should be noted that contrary to the pro-deterrent ideas some studies have revealed that death penalty does not have a deterrent effect.

To further prove that death penalty is ineffective, we can consider states to elucidate the assertions. Out of 12 states, ten states without capital punishment have the rates of homicide being below the national average. Of those states that use capital punishment, 50% had a homicide rate of the national average of 6.3 in the year 1998 Death Penalty Info. Between 1978 and 1998, the rates of homicides in those states using capital punishment had been recorded to be 48% to 101% higher compared to those using the death penalty (Bedau, 1998). This is to say that death penalty had a higher rate of homicide compared to the states with the death penalty.

Conclusively, with or without the death penalty, people are still going to commit crimes. As much as there have been some studies explaining that a death penalty is an effective form of deterrence, there lacks conclusive evidence to prove that people are deterred. The death penalty, therefore, is not effective and should be totally banned.

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Death Penalty

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• Corporal punishment
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• Mandatory sentencing
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• Death Penalty Pros And Cons

Thesis statement pro death penalty Argumentative Essay

There Is nothing more final than death. As such before we decide such a major Issue as the Death Penalty we better be sure of what we are doing! Superficially it may seem very simple – you kill therefore you should die – but is it really that simple? Let’s take a closer look…. In the last decade technology and DNA testing has proven that many convicted of murder were In fact not guilty of the crime. Some were alive and released after decades In Jail others unfortunately died In Jail .

Innocent people are convicted of crimes they didn’t commit more often than anyone old like to admit, and in some cases, people who were later found to be innocent have actually been put to death. One of this Is Willingham, he was convicted of arson murder In Texas. He was believed to have intentionally set a fire that killed his three kids. In 2004, he was put to death. Unfortunately, the Texas Forensic Science Commission later found that the evidence was misinterpreted, and they concluded that none of the evidence used against Willingham was valid.

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As it turns out, the fire really was accidental. Not Just only Willingham there are hundreds of Innocent men and women doing a life sentence. The questions are many! The answers conjectures. Some crimes are horrific and some regrettable and regretted by the guilty. How do we judge and what criteria do we use? Can we in fact be 100% sure of their guilt? Was the crime justifiable or what were the circumstance leading to the crime? Was the person in their right mind (and are they ever when they murder – debatable) Is it an act that that person would repeat?

What will their being put to death accomplish and what Is the reason that we want to eave a death penalty? ; Is It as a punishment or a detergent or to avoid that person from recommitting in the future? Can they be rehabilitated or be forever a risk and a drain upon society? I have here some information I gathered from BSM. Gob. PH. This website is officially owned and managed by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology. According to their data, as of May 2012, we have 69735 Inmates nationwide. The population of our prisons in the Philippines is just 937.

Also, according to their data, the prisons’ capacity is only 21 929. Imagine, ladies and gentlemen, that our Jailing system is operating in 318% of its capacity. It is operating 218% over its capacity. To put it simply, imagine a cell which is built for 10 people having 31 . Imagine a prison which can only accommodate 1000 people having 3180. Therefore, the life the Inmates are living In these places Is crowded, congested, populated, polluted, Irritable, DEATH PENALTY? Why do we still need it when the condition of the inmates is serving them right already?

I mean: the victims and the family of the victims have suffered leafless nights, emotional anguish and mental trauma because of what these criminals have done. And after that, we’ll Just put them to death? I don’t think so. Putting them to death would mean that we are going to end their sufferings. This goes against the rationale of arresting them and putting them to prison for them to realize the wrong of they have done. Emotionally, it would be satisfying for the victims and the family of the victims to realize that the convicted is already reaping what he has sown.

Let them suffer the fruits of their deeds so that the victims and he family of the victims may feel that there is Justice The Death Penalty is a complex issue that many have strong feelings about. And it is actually quite understandable to want the death penalty for some like that of a child murderer with absolutely no question of his/her innocence but how about the mercy killing of a child or parent who is in pain, suffering and will never get better and doomed to live in suffering and misery but cannot end their own life? T or how about the case of a person killing another after years of abuse?

Where do we draw the line? There is nothing more final than death and as such we should insure that in our desire for righteousness does not lead us to commit the very crime we wish to punish – murder the PA billion worth of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabby) and drug ingredients that were seized in Pangaea.

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