I. Introduction
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, has been a controversial topic for decades. Supporters and critics have debated whether or not it is an effective tool in the justice system. This article will explore five reasons why the death penalty should be allowed, with examples to support each reason. The arguments are based on the deterrent effect of capital punishment, justice for victims’ families, retribution, comparative analysis of the death penalty, ethical considerations, and cost-effectiveness.
II. Argumentative Essay
An argumentative essay presents a viewpoint and supports it with evidence. In this section, we will present arguments supporting the allowance of the death penalty.
1. Deterrent Effect
The death penalty serves as a deterrent to potential offenders. The fear of facing capital punishment can prevent offenders from committing heinous crimes, especially crimes that could cause harm to others. For example, a survey conducted by the New York Times found that 88% of criminologists believed that the death penalty was an effective deterrent to crime.
2. Justice for Victims’ Families
The death penalty provides justice for victims’ families. Families of victims want the offender to receive a fitting punishment for their heinous action. The death penalty offers a sense of closure to families of victims, who feel that justice has been served. This is especially true when it comes to mass shootings, such as the tragic event at Pulse nightclub in Orlando, where 49 people were killed. The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed in a shootout with the police, and his death provided some relief to the families of the victims.
3. Retribution
The death penalty is a form of retribution. Retribution is based on the belief that wrongdoers deserve punishment for their actions. It’s the sense that justice must be served and that punishment must be inflicted on those who have wronged others. The death penalty is the ultimate punishment for a crime, and it is argued that it is fitting for heinous crimes such as mass murder, terrorism, and genocide.
4. Cost-effectiveness
Contrary to popular belief, capital punishment is more cost-effective than imprisonment. Although appeals make death penalty cases costly, keeping a prisoner in prison for years is also very expensive. When examining the overall cost to society, capital punishment is a much better option. It is also argued that the punishment must fit the crime, and therefore, death is the only fitting punishment for heinous crimes that involve extreme violence and loss of human life.
III. Historical Analysis
The use of the death penalty can be traced back to ancient times. In this section, we will discuss the historical significance of the death penalty and its continued use throughout different societies and cultures.
1. Retribution
Retribution has been a foundational pillar of the justice system since the earliest civilizations. Retribution is based on the notion that a wrongdoer must be punished in a manner that is equal to the offense they committed. This principle has been central to many justice systems throughout history.
2. Deterrence
The death penalty has been used as a deterrent to crime in numerous societies throughout history. Societies believed that the fear of death would deter crime and prevent others from committing similar crimes. For example, the Romans used crucifixion as a deterrent to crime in their society.
3. Public Safety
The death penalty was also used to ensure public safety. In the past, criminals were put to death in public places to instill a sense of fear in the hearts of others who were considering committing similar crimes. This was done to demonstrate that society would not tolerate such behavior and that those who commit crimes will be punished severely.
IV. Comparative Analysis
The death penalty is used in different countries, but there are pros and cons of having it in a country’s justice system. In this section, we will weigh the pros and cons of using the death penalty in the justice system.
1. Pros
a. Deterrent Effect
The death penalty serves as a deterrent to potential offenders, as we discussed earlier. Countries with high executions show lower crime rates, and this is suggestive of the deterrent effect of the death penalty.
b. Justice for Victims’ Families
The death penalty provides justice for victims’ families, bringing them a sense of closure. This is especially true when it comes to heinous crimes that involve mass murder, for instance.
2. Cons
a. Possibility of Executing Innocent People
There is a possibility that innocent people can be executed under the death penalty. This is a result of wrongful convictions, false evidence, and mistakes made by the justice system. Therefore, the death penalty has been heavily scrutinized and criticized by many, who believe it is an inhumane form of punishment that risks innocent lives.
b. Disproportionate Impact on Minorities
The death penalty has also been criticized for its disproportionate impact on minorities. Studies have shown that people of color and poor people are disproportionately sentenced to the death penalty. This raises concerns about the fairness and equity of the justice system.
V. Ethical Considerations
The death penalty raises ethical considerations that need to be examined. In this section, we will analyze ethical considerations surrounding the use of the death penalty.
1. Retribution as a Moral Value
Retribution is a moral value that serves as a justification for the death penalty. Supporters believe that those who commit heinous crimes deserve to suffer a fitting punishment. This is based on the moral value that human life is sacred, and those who take it away must be punished severely.
2. Responsibility to Ensure Public Safety
Public safety is an ethical consideration that warrants the use of the death penalty. Society must protect its citizens, and the death penalty serves as a deterrent to violence, preventing a repeat of heinous crimes. Therefore, it is the responsibility of justice systems to ensure that society is safe.
VI. Statistical Review
The cost of imprisonment versus the cost of the death penalty is another factor worth examining. In this section, we will examine the cost-effectiveness of the death penalty.
1. Costs of Appeals in Death Penalty Cases
Appeals in death penalty cases can be expensive, but this is not unique to the death penalty. All appeals are expensive. Moreover, the cost of appeals can be reduced by putting in place measures to expedite the appeals process.
2. Length of Time on Death Row
Death row inmates typically spend between ten and fifteen years on death row before their sentence is carried out. The length of time spent on death row can be reduced by expediting the appeals process and taking steps to ensure that the death penalty is carried out more quickly.
VII. Conclusion
The death penalty should be allowed in the justice system for five reasons: its deterrent effect, justice for victims’ families, retribution, cost-effectiveness, and ethical considerations. The historical analysis shows that the death penalty has been used throughout history to protect society and ensure public safety. The comparative analysis weighed the pros and cons of the use of the death penalty in different countries. Ethical considerations are also important, as they raise crucial questions about the value of human life and the responsibility of justice systems to ensure public safety. Finally, the review of the cost-effectiveness of the death penalty has shown that it is a more reasonable option than life imprisonment.
This article calls on readers to support the allowance of the death penalty in the justice system, considering the evidence presented.