Most people view the death penalty as unjust and inhumane. Yes, it may be, when the wrong person is accused of the crime. But what if someone close to you was murdered? Wouldn't you ask for the death penalty on that person if it was legal in the state the crime happened? I asked a few people that question and all but one said that they would wish for the penalty on the person. I feel that the death penalty is only acceptable for major crimes like murder. "Treat people how they want to be treated" is a saying that goes hand-in-hand with my belief.
For some reason, people still feel that the death penalty is unacceptable in all cases. A lot of it has to do with religion. Some religious people feel that no one has the right to take someone else's life except God Himself. But one person I interviewed stated that it is acceptable to kill someone of sin because it is stated in the bible.
The U.S., Japan, and China are the only advanced countries today that still have the death penalty. In the U.S., the death penalty is by lethal injection of a painless poison. In Japan, hanging is still in effect. And in China, they execute more people than any other country in the world. Some people feel that it makes those countries hypocritical when it comes to class.
Racism is also a big problem concerning the death penalty. According to the Death Penalty Information Center [http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=539&scid=45#Appendix], African Americans face the death penalty more than any other race in the U.S. I think this is wrong. Whatever happened to "All men are created equal"? Anyone who deserves the death penalty should face it equally.
The death penalty should be used only on people who are a major threat to society. The penalty keeps society in check and I feel that people just disagree with the death penalty because killing is killing. But what if a mass murderer escaped from prison and killed again? Or if he killed someone in prison? Locking him or her up wouldn't be good enough to keep people safe.
Do you still think the penalty is unjust? I don't think it is if you have a good reason to pass the sentence on. Of course you shouldn't pass the penalty on to someone who robbed a bank or beat up someone. So, just think about my view on the death penalty and see if you still go completely against it.
5 comments:
I think rotting in prison is a greater punishment than the death penalty. A murderer should recieve the ultimate punishment. Death could be viewed as a easy out of a miserable life. But that's my opinion. I like the information and link you've provided. Good job :)
Trina <3
I still believe the Death penalty is wrong. You bring up some very strong viewpoints in your essay and it is very well written. Good Job Kanani!
Great essay. Loved that you showed both the positive and negative points about the death penalty. The death penalty is a good concept but it gets tainted with emotions people set on revenge not justice.
I don't support the death penalty. Killing should never be the solution, even if they killed someone else. I personally think locked up in prison for the rest of their life is better than the death penalty. They'll have all their lives to think about what they've done and regret it. But I like your paper. Good job. =]
i agre in that the death penalty should only be used in major crimes. even though i still think it emoral.
i like how you threw out their, "what happened to all men are created equal." GOOD JOB!
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