Introduction
The court sentences individuals convicted of crimes to death as a form of punishment.
The death penalty, an irreversible and severe form of punishment, is administered in various ways including hanging or gallows, lethal injection, severe beating, and drowning. Regarded as a last resort, individuals sentenced to death can only reverse this decision by presenting sufficient evidence in court that demonstrates the potential to overturn the ruling.
Opinions regarding the death penalty vary, both among individuals and governments. This paper will examine the pros and cons of capital punishment. Some organizations oppose it, while others believe it is necessary for achieving full justice.
The ongoing debate surrounding the implementation of the death penalty involves various perspectives. Human rights organizations and religious institutions oppose it, arguing that it violates human rights and religious beliefs. However, this paper aims to examin
...e the advantages and disadvantages of capital punishment. The following are some benefits associated with using this method as a form of justice:
- By imposing the death penalty, cases within the justice system reach finality and cannot be overturned.
- In instances involving rape and murder, it provides closure for both victims and their communities.
- It aids in maintaining public safety.
- It reduces the financial cost and burden of legal proceedings.
(Mocan & Gittings, 2003)
Implementing capital punishment has the potential to bring financial and time-saving benefits to the state's legal system. By carrying out this form of punishment, the state can reduce its expenses on legal representation and appeals, allowing judges and prosecutors to dedicate their attention to other cases. This ultimately leads to a more streamlined justice system. Additionally, it alleviates the financial strain caused by incarceratin
offenders in prison for offenses committed against the state. Lastly, capital punishment serves as a final option for severe crimes, ensuring that individuals who commit heinous acts can be executed if alternative punishments are deemed inadequate.
Capital punishment is necessary to prevent criminals from evading justice and living freely in society after committing serious crimes. The death penalty is an appropriate form of punishment for offenses such as murder, rape, and violent robbery, which directly impact innocent victims going about their daily lives. When these ruthless individuals attack and kill or harm others, the damage inflicted on their victims is often irreversible. Additionally, the fear of facing death acts as a deterrent for those considering engaging in such acts. Knowing that these actions could lead to their own demise discourages potential offenders and creates a sense of fear that reduces the inclination to commit such crimes.
The fear of punishment motivates individuals to exercise self-control, leading to a decrease in heinous crimes and subsequently lowering investigation and litigation costs. The death penalty is deemed appropriate only for psychologically healthy offenders, confirmed by a licensed medical professional, both before and after the crime. This ensures genuine guilt and acknowledges the loss of life resulting from their actions (Liebman, 2002).
Drawbacks of the Death Penalty
Opposition to the death penalty arises from concerns regarding wrongful execution of innocent individuals due to flaws within justice systems.
In such cases, innocent individuals may be prosecuted and killed, resulting in the shedding of innocent blood. This is highly unjust since wealthy and influential guilty individuals can easily refute criminal charges and remain unpunished. Conversely, less privileged individuals are burdened with the consequences and often face
death. Consequently, the death penalty lacks support from both numerous individuals and governments.
The death penalty is considered insignificant due to the number of lives lost as a result of flawed systems tainted by corruption and illegal activities. It is clear that incarcerated individuals who are proven innocent can be released from prison and potentially receive compensation. In contrast, those executed for criminal charges cannot be revived; they remain deceased in their graves.
The death penalty has resulted in more than 138 cases of wrongful convictions, illustrating the serious consequences it carries. Governments have the power to capture and punish those who are guilty, ensuring accountability for their actions. Prisons serve as facilities for both containment and rehabilitation of criminals. It is important to recognize that people can change and grow, regardless of their past actions.
Authorities denying criminal individuals the opportunity to change, prevents them from overcoming their past. Numerous testimonials exist of individuals who were once criminals and murderers, but subsequently transformed their lives. The same potential for change applies to guilty individuals, who can ultimately contribute positively to society and serve as inspiration for other offenders.
When authorities use capital punishment, they not only deny individuals the chance to change but also unintentionally foster an atmosphere that encourages more criminal behavior. Studies on capital punishment reveal a correlation between its existence and an increase in crime rates, as evidenced by numerous countries choosing to eliminate it.
Although capital punishment has proven effective in lowering crime rates in various countries, it is important to recognize that its implementation may unintentionally promote criminal behavior (Blume ; Paavola, 2011). Some individuals may impulsively engage in unlawful activities, indicating that their
actions were not planned but rather coerced. Ultimately, these individuals reluctantly commit such acts.
When individuals find themselves in challenging situations where they may unknowingly commit crimes, it is vital to consider aspects like self-defense and mental health problems. Unfortunately, authorities frequently overlook these factors and instead choose capital punishment. It is crucial to afford these individuals the opportunity for life as their actions were influenced by external circumstances rather than deliberate wrongdoing. Authorities should grant them a chance to exist, particularly when they are not always fully aware of offenders' motives (Chin, 2012).
The death penalty contradicts the fundamental goals of punishment, which aim to make criminals remorseful for their actions. By denying offenders the opportunity to feel regret, authorities cannot effectively convey the message that killing is wrong. This irrationality goes against logical reasoning, highlighting why the death penalty is not beneficial.
According to various religions, life is highly valued. However, some argue that capital punishment may not truly serve as a punishment. This is because no one has ever died and returned to share their experience of death, leading to the possibility that authorities could make grave errors in administering death as a punishment (Hood & Hoyle, 2014).
In Christianity, taking the lives of others is forbidden since it is seen as murder in God's perspective. This prohibition applies to everyone, including those in positions of power who are not allowed to carry out executions due to its contradiction with religious principles and commandments. It is worth noting that many countries have abolished capital punishment, although there are still some that continue to use this form of punishment mainly for individuals convicted of murder.
Conclusion
The death penalty should only be used in cases where there is undeniable proof of guilt for a serious crime, rather than targeting individuals based on mere suspicion. It is crucial for the legal system to establish beyond any doubt that the offender committed the crime and that the punishment is justified. This will not only deter potential offenders but also prevent the execution of innocent individuals who may have been victims of unfortunate circumstances.
Reference
- Mocan, H. N., ; Gittings, R. K. (2003). Getting off death row: Commuted sentences and the deterrent effect of capital punishment. JL ; Econ., 46, 453.
- Liebman, J. S.
(2002). Opting for Real Death Penalty Reform. Ohio St. LJ, 63, 315.
(2014). The death penalty: A worldwide perspective. OUP Oxford.
C. (2011). Life, Death, and Neuroimaging: The Advantages and Disadvantages of the Defense’s Use of Neuroimages in Capital Cases-Lessons from the Front. Mercer Law Review, 62, 11-18.
Chin, G. J.
(2012). The New Civil Death: Rethinking Punishment in the Era of Mass Conviction. University of Pennsylvania Law Review, 160, 1789.
