The Death Penalty

Paper Summary:

The paper presents the arguments against the use of the death penalty. The paper shows how innocent people could be put to death for crimes they did not commit. The paper looks at the arguments for the use of the death penalty but refutes them as baseless. The paper strongly contends that the execution of criminals in the United States is socially unjust and morally wrong.

Outline:
A Short History of the Death Penalty
Arguments Against the Use of the Death Penalty
Arguments for the Use of the Death Penalty

From the Paper:

"Putting people to death as a punishment for their crimes is not a new or unique idea. In fact, it has been a common practice throughout the world since ancient times. Jesus Christ died on the cross for his "crime" of Christianity. In early America, individuals were shot for committing treason, and lynching as a form of punishment was common, especially in the Old West. However, in modern times, many people have come to see the inhumanity of the Death Penalty as a punishment, and have begun to speak against it. In America, this began as early as the 18th century, and the Supreme Court banned the use of the Death Penalty from 1972 until 1976 in the U.S. However, public support seemed to indicate the American people wanted the Death Penalty, and the Supreme Court reinstated it in 1976, and it has been controversial and debated ever since."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "Death Penalty." NewsBatch.com. June 2006.1 May 2007. <http://www.newsbatch.com/deathpenalty.htm>
• Editors. "Death Penalty Information Center" Death Penalty.org. 1 May 2007. 1 May 2007. <http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/>.
• Gerritt, Jeff. From Death Row, to Vindication, to Voice for Justice. 5 Apr. 2005. 1 May 2007. <http://www.patrickcrusade.org/JEFF_GERRITT.html>
• Overberg, Kenneth R. "The Death Penalty." AmericanCatholic.org. 2007. 1 May 2007.<http://www.americancatholic.org/Newsletters/CU/ac0195.asp>
• Williams, Mary E. "Introduction." At Issue: Is the Death Penalty Fair? Aug. 2004. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 2003.

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• Research Paper # 93369 : "Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty"
• Persuasive Essay # 142258 : "The Death Penalty Back in Canada"

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