Capital Punishment

Paper Summary:

In this article the writer suggests that due to the growth and interest in the value of the individual, the philosophical and moral, social and economical implications of capital punishment become clear. The writer maintains that as the arguments based on morality and human rights lead to circular discussions with both sides having equally valid points, a decision on whether to support or fight the death penalty should logically be based on the argument that it is not an effective deterrent to violent crime and is ultimately more of a financial burden on taxpayers than lifetime incarceration. The writer claims that the arguments provide a strong, sound foundation to support the opinion that the death penalty should be abolished. The writer argues that the logic behind retaining a legal policy and carrying out a punishment that clearly does not have the effect it is supposed to have on the general population seems preposterous.

From the Paper:

"The two opposing forces in this issue are essentially supporters of human rights versus supporters of punishment for crimes done. Unfortunately there is little common ground for these groups considering they often support exact opposites of each argument. Human rights advocates are interested in the dignity of the individual, the integrity of the justice system, and the moral implications that ending another human being's life entail. Supporters of capital punishment are only interested in the individual in as far as they are justly punished for the pain and trauma they have inflicted on the victims and their loved ones. They focus on the bigger picture of safety of the public in general."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Cannon, Carl. "The Problem with the Chair--A Conservative Case Against Capital Punishment." National Review 19 June 2000.
• Dieter, Richard. Cost of the Death Penalty and Related Issues. New York State Assembly: Standing Committees on Codes, Judiciary and Correction. 25 Jan. 2005.
• Elliot, Vicky. "The American Exception--Capital Punishment." UNESCO Courier Oct. 1999.
• Goertzel, Ted. "Captial Punishment and Homicide: Sociological Realities and Econometric Illusions: Does Exciting Murderers Cut the Homicide Rate or Not? Comparative Studies Show There is No Effect. Econometric Models, In Contrast, Show a Mixture of Results. Why the Difference? And Which is the More Reliable Method?" Skeptical Inquirer Jul.-Aug. 2004.
• Trollinger, William. "My Friend's Execution--Witnessing an Execution Confirms Feelings About Capital Punishment." Christian Century 11 Nov. 1998. A strong telling of the moral side of the debate against the death penalty. Also an intimate portrait of a Death Row inmate.

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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