Introduction
The topic of the death penalty is one of the most controversial and debatable issues in modern society. There are many arguments for and against the death penalty, and despite being officially recognized in some countries, it remains a subject of public debate. My position on this topic is that the death penalty is not an effective method for solving the problem of crime and is also a violation of human rights.
It should be noted that the death penalty is not an effective way to prevent crime. Many studies show that crime does not decrease after the execution has been carried out (Cianci 307). On the contrary, in some cases, the death penalty can lead to a higher level of crime, as it may set an example of violence and brutality for others. The death penalty is not a fair method of punishment. Execution can only be carried out after a person has been found guilty of a crime, but often, there are cases where a person’s guilt is not established with sufficient certainty. Moreover, the death penalty can be used for political purposes, which is also unfair.
Human Rights Concerns and Judicial Errors
The death penalty violates human rights to life and freedom. All people have the right to life and liberty; the death penalty contradicts this principle. Even if a person has committed a terrible crime, they still have the right to humane treatment, and despite being deprived of their freedom, no one should have the right to decide their death. Furthermore, the death penalty can lead to errors in the judicial system.
We all know of cases where people were wrongly found guilty and sentenced to death, but were later proven innocent. Such mistakes are irreversible, and we cannot afford to risk people’s lives due to systemic errors. Moreover, the death penalty can harm the psychological well-being of the executioners themselves. They have to carry out an execution, which is one of the harshest forms of punishment, and this can have a negative effect on their health and mental state.
Alternatives and Broader Social Considerations
The alternatives to the death penalty may be more effective and fair. One of them is life imprisonment, which allows for the punishment of the guilty while not violating their rights to life and freedom. Furthermore, life imprisonment can be overturned if new evidence proves the convicted person’s innocence. Notably, the death penalty issue extends beyond ethical and legal aspects.
The death penalty is also a costly procedure requiring considerable expenditures. According to research conducted in the United States, the total cost of the death penalty includes not only direct costs for the execution process but also expenses for pre-trial investigation, the trial process, and the support of prisoners in jails. Some estimates suggest that the cost of one death penalty can reach several million dollars, which is a much more expensive alternative than life imprisonment.
In addition, the death penalty does not address the root cause of crime. It is a punishment for a crime that has already been committed, but it does not prevent the possibility of committing new crimes. Many studies show that countries that have abolished the death penalty have lower crime rates than those that continue to use this form of punishment.
As an alternative to the death penalty, various forms of punishment can be applied that do not contradict human rights and do not pose a risk of errors in the justice system. For example, life imprisonment without the possibility of parole may be a more effective and fair method of punishment. In this case, the criminal remains in prison for the rest of their life, which hinders committing new crimes and does not violate human rights.
Furthermore, attention should be paid to the causes of crime. It is essential to create conditions that enhance people’s lives, education, healthcare, and other key aspects. It is also essential to focus on the upbringing and education of children and youth so they do not become criminals. This can be achieved through various educational and social support programs.
Conclusion
The death penalty cannot be effective without the absolute certainty of the guilt of the convicted person. There are cases of errors in the judicial system where innocent people have been convicted and even executed. In this case, the death penalty is unjust and an irreversible punishment that cannot be corrected. Furthermore, there is a risk of injustice associated with the use of the death penalty.
Sometimes, people may be unlawfully sentenced to death due to errors in the judicial system, discrimination, or arbitrariness. This can lead to irreversible consequences and a violation of fundamental human rights. In addition, the death penalty does not solve the problem of crime victims. Instead, it only exacerbates their suffering and injustice. Many victims of crime reject the death penalty as a means of punishment because it does not bring them true comfort and does not address their trauma.
Work Cited
Cianci, Licia. “President Biden’s Criminal Justice: Death to the Death Penalty!” DPCE Online, vol. 56, no. 1, 2023, pp. 307-324.