Opinions on the Death Penalty and Applicable Cases
The death penalty is one of the cruelest ways of punishing a criminal. It violates one of the fundamental human rights of life. The action does not offer an opportunity for the offender to undergo torture and other inhumane treatment they deserve when they commit a crime. This approach undermines the dignity of humans, which is intrinsic to everyone.
However, in my opinion, capital punishment should be present since it helps in the execution of wrongdoers, in particular murderers, in society. Some cases that deserve this castigation include raping young children and other scenarios where the victim is killed. The purpose of the law is to serve justice to its people and discourage lawbreakers from committing more crimes.
The Death Penalty as a Deterrent: Evidence and Analysis
Child rape deserves the death penalty because it is a strong deterrent. Other potential criminals need to learn that it is inhumane to sexually assault a minor sexually. Currently, the law does not allow capital punishment in this case. Rules should be set to generate fear in the hearts of those who intend to violate them and for people to have confidence in the regulations being enacted (Greenemeier, 2010).
However, no credible evidence indicates that the death penalty deters crime more than long-term imprisonment. According to Norris & Mullinix (2020), the law of capital punishment increases support for police reform but ruins trust in the justice system. It is, therefore, not an effective way of dealing with wrongful convictions.
Economic Considerations
It is not worth issuing the death penalty since it is more expensive than housing a prisoner for one year. It calls for taxpayers’ money to pay the lawyers, and the punishment is complex and lengthy. Murderers are capable of redemption through a long rehabilitation process.
Ethical Considerations
It is not suitable for states to take the lives of their citizens. Every individual deserves the right to live, no matter their crime. Criminals can be detained in prison and trained in other technical activities that contribute to the economic growth of a country. Current methods of execution, including lethal injection and the electric chair, are inhumane. There is a high risk of executing innocent persons by mistake. Other forms of punishment can be applied since the death penalty is a harsh punishment for lawbreakers.
References
Greenemeier, L. (2010). Cruel and usual? Is capital punishment by lethal injection quick and painless? Scientific American. Web.
Norris, R. J., & Mullinix, K. J. (2020). Framing innocence: An experimental test of the effects of wrongful convictions on public opinion. Journal of Experimental Criminology, 16(2), 311-334. Web.