The Controversy of Capital Punishment

Some people back the death penalty because they feel it's safer to take the life of a convicted individual rather than risk innocent lives. Capital punishment is typically for serious crimes, such as premeditated murder. Despite around 15,000 murders annually, only about 1,000 executions have occurred in the last three decades. This suggests that even proponents of the death penalty use it sparingly. Furthermore, there are numerous cases of released murderers committing more crimes. For instance, Joe Atkins, who had already served time for murder, went on to kill again by shooting 13-year-old Karen Patterson in South Carolina in 1985.

Karen's mother hurried to the Atkins household nearby, where Joe proceeded to kill his adopted father, Benjamin Atkins, 75, who had supported Joe's release from a life sentence. Other stories show that a life sentence may not always prevent someone from committing more crimes. In 1965, Robert Massie fatally shot Mildred Weiss, a mother of two, in San Gabriel, Calif., during a robbery after following her home.

Get quality help now

RhizMan

Verified writer

Proficient in: Capital Punishment

4.9 (247)

“ Rhizman is absolutely amazing at what he does . I highly recommend him if you need an assignment done ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

A stay was granted just before his scheduled execution so that Massie could testify against his accomplice. Following the Supreme Court's suspension of executions in 1972, Massie's sentence was reduced to life imprisonment. Despite being given another opportunity, Massie was eventually released on parole only to rob and kill businessman Boris Naumoff in San Francisco just eight months later. From a religious perspective, Islam allows for capital punishment in certain situations.

According to the Qu’ran in Al’ Ma’idah 5:33, those who wage war against Allah and His messenger and strive to make corruption in the land should face harsh punishment, which could include being murdered, crucified, having their hands and feet cut off on opposite sides, or being banished from the land.

This punishment is seen as a disgrace in this world and leads to a grievous chastisement in the hereafter. Additionally, Islam justifies the death penalty for murder by stating that saving a life is equivalent to saving all humanity. This belief suggests that murderers should face the same fate as their victims. Personally, I hold mixed views on capital punishment.

While the Bible endorses capital punishment in the Old Testament, with Genesis 9:6 declaring that "Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed; for in the image of God He made man," the New Testament promotes a more compassionate approach. Nevertheless, even in the New Testament, Romans 13:4 confirms that those in power are servants of God and have the authority to mete out justice to offenders, including through capital punishment. Despite this support for capital punishment, flaws exist within the American justice system resulting in cases where innocent people have been wrongly condemned to death while guilty individuals escape punishment.

Despite feeling uneasy about the death penalty, I do not support its abolition. I recognize the difficulty in deciding when it is appropriate, but believe there are instances where capital punishment is warranted. However, I am hesitant to personally make that decision due to the challenge of valuing one life over another. There is a debate on whether the death penalty deters crime, but with few executions despite high murder rates in America and lengthy appeals processes causing delays, I am not convinced that it is ineffective as a deterrent.

My personal belief is that capital punishment should be applied judiciously after a fair trial in specific cases. I also support a prompt implementation of the decision to avoid overcrowding on death row and ensure a quicker process from sentencing to execution. While I oppose the wrongful execution of innocent individuals, I am equally troubled by the lack of closure for numerous victims and the potential dangers associated with leniency in our justice system. Collaborating with my partner, Brandon, was a positive experience as we effectively communicated, he diligently researched our material, and displayed punctuality and professionalism. Brandon is a dependable partner whom I would gladly work with again.