Essay on Death Penalty Capital Punishment and Violent Crime

Capital Punishment and Violent Crime Hypothesis Most Americans are pro-death penalty, even though they dont really believe that it is an effective deterrent to violent crime. Those who are pro-death penalty will remain so, even if faced with the best arguments of anti-death penalty activists and told to assume the arguments were absolutely true. Violent crime Violent crime is a major problem in the United States. According to the ACLU, the violent crime rate rose sixty-one percent nationwide over the last two decades, making America one of the most dangerous countries in the industrialized world to live in. Americans are seven to ten times more likely to be murdered than the residents of most European countries and Japan†¦show more content†¦Six month later, in January 1977, the first execution under the new death penalty laws took place in the United States, ending the moratorium of capital punishment that began in 1967. Since that time, there have been many studies and public opinion polls to determine the effectiveness of the death penalty. When a Gallup poll asked those who were pro-death penalty to explain the reason for their position, most of them said that the death sentence was an effective deterrent of crime, it was more economic than life sentences, it was a moral obligation to the victims families, and it was necessary to bring justice to society. When the same poll asked those who were against the death penalty their reasons to be opposed to capital punishment, they stated that it was wrong to take a life, wrongful convictions may occur, it did not deter crime, it was unfairly applied, rehabilitation was possible and punishment should be left to God. About a year ago, while I was watching a popular television show, I heard a spokesman for Amnesty International claim that when people were told that the death penalty was more expensive than life in prison, a majority polled said they were o pposed to the death penalty. I doubted his assertion, and this was the basis for myShow MoreRelatedCapital Punishment And The Death Penalty1523 Words   |  7 PagesCapital punishment, which can also be referred to as the death penalty, has been around for hundreds of years. Ever since it began, there has been discussions as to whether it is morally correct, and as to whether it actually influences criminals. Some believe that the possibility of being put to death often stops criminals from committing violent crimes. Others believe the reciprocal, stating that those that partake in violent crimes are driven to do so for various reasons, and whether they haveRead MoreCapital Punishment Is A Form Of Torture971 Words   |  4 PagesCapital punishment is nothing new; executions have taken place for centuries. Capital punishment is utilized throughout the world. Thirty-six countries currently use the death penalty in law and practice. One hundred and three countries have abolished the death penalty completely. Whereas, six countries currently retain the death penalty for special circumstances, such as war crimes (CIA World Factbook). 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As society grew more complex, many different factors influenced the development of the death penalty, or capital punishment as it has developed into in the United States. Because of this, controversy about whether or not to have the punishment arose, leading to much debate on the topic. The paper will analyze and observe the Capital Punishment and its influence on the economyRead MoreThe Death Penalty Is The Most Human e And Deserving Punishment1335 Words   |  6 Pagesreceive the death penalty? The punishment for murderers and rapists should be as heinous as the crime they committed. The death penalty is the most humane and deserving punishment that should be dealt. b. Background: It is important to understand that the death penalty predates the Roman and Egyptian empires. It can be traced as far back as ancient Babylon under the reign of King Hammurabi during the 18th century BCE. There has been many definitions and translations of the rules for the death penaltyRead MoreAmerica s Debate On Capital Punishment760 Words   |  4 PagesAmerica’s Debate: Should the Capital Punishment be abolished in the United States? Violent crimes such a murder, rape, sexual assault, and robbery are perpetrated by criminals once every few minutes in this country. Lawmakers spend countless hours enacting laws to prevent these crimes. The introduction of the death penalty is an effort to deter criminals from committing heinous crimes. What exactly does the death penalty accomplish? The best description of the term death penalty is the legal executionRead MoreCapital Punishment : A Cruel And Violent Process1343 Words   |  6 PagesThesis: Capital punishment is a cruel and violent process that is extremely expensive to many taxpayers, discriminating against one s race and well being in justifying cases, and overall has a negative effect on society. I. High in cost A. Life in prison B. Cost of taxes C. Cost of programs II. Discrimination in cases A. Wealth B. Racism III. Violent in application A. Cruel and unusual B. Denial and rights IV. Counters of argument A. Statistics B. Deterrence C. Life Capital punishment is a cruel