Paper Summary:

This paper explores the controversial issue of the death penalty. The author presents the pros and cons of this topic in a list format and also gives a history of capital punishment. Also discussed are alternatives to the death penalty and how differing segments of society view this issue. The paper also considers the financial implications of the death penalty, especially as it relates to the court system. The paper concludes by stating that an opinion on this issue must be based on research.

Outline:
Introduction
Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
History of Death Penalty
The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Death Penalty Alternatives
Cost
4 Issues of the Death Penalty
Deterrence
Arbitrariness
Retribution
Wrongful Convictions
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Death Penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, is the lawful execution of a prisoner as a punishment for serious crime, often called capital offense. Being one of the controversial topics in the United States and all over the world, I decided to have my interests focused on doing a research about this topic. "
"As you read along, you might encounter topics that you will find critical. Bear in mind that I am doing this research not to influence your thoughts on this sensitive issue. Each one is still entitled to his opinion in the end. What I would like is to help my readers broaden their knowledge on death penalty by understanding its history and developments. And explore further by presenting the pros and cons behind it, available alternatives, different points of views of the different sectors in the society and the common issues tackled."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Death Penalty: history [On-line] http://library.thinkquest.org/23685/data/history.html, [Accessed 17 Nov 2005]
• Michael H. Reggio, History of the Death Penalty, 1995-2005, [On-line] http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/execution/readings/history.html, [Accessed 17 Nov. 2005]
• Thoughts on the Death Penalty, [On-line] http://www.richard.clark32.btinternet.co.uk/thoughts.html, [Accessed 19 Nov 2005]
• Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 2005. [On-line] http://www.m-w.com/dictionary/arbitrary, [Accessed 17 Nov 2005].
• Capital Punishment: Life or Death, [On-line] http://www.cwrl.utexas.edu/~tonya/spring/cap/group1.htm, [Accessed 17 Nov 2005]

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