Abolishing the Death Penalty

Paper Summary:

This paper examines both sides of the death penalty, and ultimately argues in favor of its abolition. The writer describes how this issue goes beyond the realm of politics, entering the sphere of religion and morality. The paper concludes by stating that the the existence and use of a death penalty has not been shown to reduce murder rates in both international and national comparisons.

From the Paper:

"However, the criminal justice system exists to protect the interests of the state, rather than the interests of individual victims or survivors. As a result, the question of whether the death penalty should be continued or abolished is an issue that must be resolved by determining whether or not the death penalty benefits the state. A punishment that is beneficial to the state would be expected to deter crime, be efficient to impose, protect innocent defendants, and benefit all members of society. Because the death penalty does not benefit the state, it is clear that the death penalty does not serve its intended purpose. First, the death penalty has not been shown to deter crime. Second, the death penalty is far more expensive than life imprisonment. Third, the death penalty differs from other forms of punishment, making the risk that an innocent person will be punished utterly unacceptable. Finally, society has a duty to all of its members, even those who violate its laws, and therefore has a responsibility to focus some of its penal efforts on the rehabilitation of criminals. Therefore, because the death penalty does not benefit the state, it should be abolished. "

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Death Penalty Defies International Human Rights Standards." Amnesty International U.S.A.2004. Amnesty International U.S.A. 7 May 2006 <http://www.amnestyusa.org/abolish/international_h_r_standards.html>.
• "The Economics of Capital Punishment." National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. 2004. National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. 7 May 2006 <http://ncadp.org/fact_sheet3.html>.
• "In Opposition to the Death Penalty: Arbitrariness and Discrimination." The Death Penalty. 2004. Michigan State University Comm Tech Lab and Death Penalty Information Center. 7 May 2006 <http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu/c/about/arguments/argument4a.htm>.
• "In Opposition to the Death Penalty: Deterrence." The Death Penalty. 2004. Michigan State University Comm Tech Lab and Death Penalty Information Center. 7 May 2006 <http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu/c/about/arguments/argument1b.htm>.
• "In Opposition to the Death Penalty: Innocence." The Death Penalty. 2004. Michigan State University Comm Tech Lab and Death Penalty Information Center. 7 May 2006 <http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.msu.edu/c/about/arguments/argument3a.htm>.

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