Capital Punishment

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that capital punishment serves to protect innocent human life through acting as a deterrent to crime as evidenced by the decline in the number of murders as the number of executions increased between 1990 and 2000 in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The author points out that, although many opponents of the death penalty argue that the death penalty is too expensive and that it costs more than simply giving convicts life; currently, the added expense of executing people is not the result of the justice system, but an effect of unnecessary delays in the federal courts. The paper concludes that capital punishment is necessary because, as long as there is crime and violence, citizens need to be assured that they can go about their daily lives free of worry and fear.

From the Paper:

"Paroled prisoners are not the only problem for there have been several cases of dangerous prisoners escaping from even high security prisons: "Michael Rodriguez, sentenced to life for murder joined six lesser criminals in overpowering prison employees in Connolly, Texas". Police say the "Malevolent Seven" robbed an Oshman's sporting goods store then shot... police officer Aubrey Hawkins 11 times and drove over his corpse." The preceding example is just one incident among many. In another case, even a 5,000 volt electric fence did not succeed in keeping in three murderers, all lifers, from escaping a high-security prison in St. Clair Springs, Ala. "Along with three fellow inmates, they lifted the fence with a broom handle and slithered to freedom." This example and the earlier cited cases of Arthur Shawcross and Michael Rodriguez should surely suffice in illustrating the danger of merely relying on imprisonment as a method of protecting society from known criminals. More important, it once again raises the question of whether society should concern itself more with the rights of innocent citizens or the rights, if arguably any, of criminals. Surely, society's first concern should be with the prevention of injustice by ensuring the safety and security of its citizens. In fact, this is the fundamental duty of government."

More papers on Capital Punishment:

• Argumentative Essay # 22661 : "Capital Punishment and the Washington Sniper"
• Argumentative Essay # 148116 : "Does Capital Punishment Deter Murder?"
• Analytical Essay # 86172 : "Capital Punishment in Texas"
• Analytical Essay # 130903 : "Religion and Capital Punishment"

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