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The Death Penalty Debate, 2007.
A look at the controversial issue of capital punishment in the United States.
1,271 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 43.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the complex ethical, judicial, social, economic, racial and political issues that capital punishment raises. The paper discusses the perspectives of opponents and supporters of the death penalty and offers the opinion that the societal advantages of the death penalty far outweigh the disadvantages.
From the Paper
"Despite the frequent use of the death penalty throughout most of American history, it continues to be a controversial issue in the United States. Americans continue to debate whether capital punishment is morally acceptable, whether taking a convicted criminal's life is an effective means of deterring other criminals from committing violent crimes, and whether capital punishment is applied fairly, regardless of social, economic, or racial factors. (Kurtis 188) Ultimately, because of the conservative majority on the Supreme Court, the death penalty is likely to be imposed in appropriate cases by America's criminal justice system for the foreseeable future."
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The Death Penalty, 2004.
This paper discusses issues around the death penalty and concludes that there is little suggestion that the debate surrounding the death penalty will ever be resolved.
2,815 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the difficulty with the debate over the death penalty often adds up to one in which people are arguing about a certain approach to an abstract ethical system and the experiential reality of those involved in and connected to a death-penalty case, which makes the entire issue suffused with an even more impressive and murky layer of complexity than if it were merely an issue of conflicting theories of jurisprudence. The paper points out that, in all of the issues surrounding the death penalty, it is strange how often the issue focuses on the rights of the killer and how infrequently the feelings and thoughts of the victim?s family are considered in any real depth. The paper concludes that the United States has come to hold an increasingly unique stance in relation to the death penalty, as it is one of the few countries that practices capital punishment and, certainly, the one that practices it with the greatest frequency.
From the Paper
"Indeed, some critics claim that they the argument that families witnessing the execution of death penalty subjects is in fact not beneficial in the least, and that, rather than helping to deal with the stress, it is just as likely to cause damaging psychological effects that may create long-term problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Indeed, one critic of this process conducted a study of 21 journalists who were allowed to witness a public execution in 1994 and discovered that it had severely damaging results on their psyches."
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The Death Penalty, 2006.
An analysis of the death penalty: it's history, the pros and cons of using the death penalty and possible alternatives.
2,073 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
The paper investigates the issues surrounding the death penalty, or capital punishment. The writer examines the history of the death penalty and current developments in its execution. The paper explores the pros and cons of using capital punishment; available alternatives; different points of views from different sectors in society; and the common issues involved. The paper concludes that although the death penalty may be warranted in certain cases, one must be prepared for the possibility of a wrongful conviction.
Table of Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
A. History of Death Penalty
B. The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
C. Death Penalty Alternatives
D. Cost
E. 4 Issues of the Death Penalty
1. Deterrence
2. Arbitrariness.
3. Retribution
4. Wrongful Convictions
III. Conclusion
From the Paper
"On the other side, it can't always be expected that just because two crimes from different states appear to be the same, the criminals will be punished similarly. The US court found it unconstitutional to mandate death penalty to all who are guilty of 1st degree murder. Hence, each member of the judicial system is entitled to his or her own judgment on a case-to-case basis. Though there may be some people who get away from being punished with death penalty, it does not follow that everyone should then be spared."
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The Death Penalty, 2002.
A pro death penalty debate.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 1 source, $ 53.95
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Abstract
Today in our society there is widespread support for capital punishment. Those who argue for keeping the death penalty in our society are called "retentionists". They believe that the death penalty serves as the ultimate justice and that it will, in the end, deter murderers and promote the sacredness of human life. Abolitionists view it as harsh, unfair, and contradictory. They see hypocrisy in punishing murder by engaging in murder. Those in favour of getting rid of the death penalty are called "abolitionists".
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The Death Penalty, 2002.
A discussion of the death penalty, with an emphasis on the debate of why it is not an appropriate punishment.
919 words (approx. 3.7 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 32.95
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Abstract
This paper looks at the issues concerning the death penalty in America today with the bias that it is not an appropriate punishment and it would be better for convicted prisoners to spend the rest of their lives in jail. It quotes current statistics on the numbers of prisoners that have been put to death and discusses how putting people to death as punishment for a crime is nothing more than revenge seeking by the relatives of victims. It looks at how proponents of capital punishment feel it deters crime and is a just and fitting punishment for violent crimes such as murder and asks the question if the death penalty actually is a deterrent to crime, then why do so many criminals still kill people during the course of their crimes?
From the Paper
"Several of these arguments seem extremely valid, and paint a very valid picture for abolishing the death penalty. Killing another human being, no matter what they have done, seems like to great a punishment. It is inhumane and cruel, and makes us as inhumane by using it as the punishment itself. Most Americans would rather have the guilty parties pay restitution and stay behind bars rather than face the death penalty. Authors Vila and Morris noted when people are questioned about other alternatives; many of them say they would approve of life behind bars without any possibility of parole, especially if the prisoners had to work to pay restitution to the families or the injured party (Vila and Morris 251). There have also been documented cases of prisoners on death row being cleared by new evidence."
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Death Penalty, 2006.
An argument against the death penalty.
2,304 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper scrutinizes the issue of the death penalty, highlighting grave disparities behind this form of capital punishment. The paper provides arguments against the death penalty that are based on ten main points, all focusing on the need for abolishment of the capital punishment. The paper discusses each of these arguments.
Outline:
There is no Moral and Ethical Justification for Death Penalty
Crime is not the Sole Responsibility of an Individual
System of Sentencing to Death is Unnatural
Death Penalty is not a Deterrent
Death Penalty is Racially Biased
Death Penalty is against Basic Human Rights
Law is not Perfect - Innocents are being Executed
Reducing Public Support for Death Penalty
Is Death Penalty Constitutional?
Death Penalty Impacts on Diplomatic Relations amongst Countries
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Crime has remained an integral part of our society since its inception and will continue to plague it for times to come. Humans are aggressive and violent by nature, and our society is inhabited with such people who are capable of committing heinous acts of violence against their own kind. Despite deliberate efforts of law enforcers, the crime is getting more sophisticated and adopting wider scope. In order to harness the violent nature of mankind, societies evolved rules and regulations commonly known as the laws. Any person found violating these laws is subjected to punishment which not only curtails the criminal's freedom but also serves as a deterrent for others.
The Criminal Law is the body of statutory and common law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses. The criminal law is based on four theories of criminal justice: punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. The purpose of criminal law is to retain a peaceful social order (Melchior, pars. 1-3). To fulfill this purpose, a suspect found guilty of an offence is awarded punishment ranging from few months imprisonment to life term. The law also incorporates death penalty to criminals, which over the period of time has been abolished in many countries but is still persisting in United States. It is in fact, one of the most debatable issue in criminal law. There are strong proponents of the death penalty but its efficacy and legitimacy remains a constant irritant. "
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
An analysis of the debate over whether the death penalty acts as a deterrent to violent crimes.
2,007 words (approx. 8.0 pages), 11 sources, APA, $ 63.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses whether the death penalty acts as a deterrent to violent crimes. It examines both sides of the debate in order to determine if the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime or if it is simply a waste of taxpayer money. The paper presents sociological studies supporting both sides of this aspect of the death penalty debate.
Table of Contents:
Comparative Studies
Econometric Studies
How do we Decide Who is Right?
Conclusion
From the Paper
"On the other hand, opponents cannot disprove a causal relationship either. However, the burden of proof is not upon them. If they can discredit the argument of the other side by presenting conflicting results and inconclusive evidence, then their argument is supported by default. The original research question was whether the death penalty acts as a deterrent to murder. If one considers the lack of positive proof, then the answer would have to favor those that say it does not. Therefore, one could support the position that due to a lack of substantial evidence that the death penalty deters crime, the practice of the death penalty must be reconsidered in support of less severe punishment. Those that oppose the death penalty do so based on a lack of evidence that it deters crime. This argument is logical, even in light of lack of evidence to the contrary."
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
This paper presents the pros and cons of the death penalty.
2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 65.95
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Abstract
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."
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The Death Penalty, 2002.
This paper discusses that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent.
2,265 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 4 sources, $ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper presents many arguments in opposition to the death penalty as a deterrent. The author asks if in fact the death penalty does serve as a deterrent, why do the many Western countries that have abolished the death penalty have lower murder rates than jurisdictions in the United States that still considers it a viable punishment. The author believes that while the death penalty may serve as a retribution, there is little sociological evidence to support that someone is deterred more by the prospect of being executed than the prospect of a life sentence without possibility of parole.
Table of Contents
Effectiveness of the Death Penalty as a Deterrent to Criminal Homicide
Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Cost of Life Sentence without Parole vs. the Death Penalty
Recidivism
States That Impose the Death Penalty and Form of Execution
Retribution, the Family and Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent depends on the degree to which the average criminal actually weighs the consequences of his behavior prior to acting. Criminal homicide is loosely divided into categories based upon level of intention. To the extent that criminal homicide is unintentional or in the heat of passion, the criminal does not weigh consequences at all; and so the criminal would not be deterred by the death penalty. To the extent that criminal homicide is intentional or premeditated, a number of psychological mindsets are possible beforehand. The criminal might assume he will get away with it (and therefore, he does not need to worry about possible punishments). Or, the criminal might think he will get caught."
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The Death Penalty, 2005.
This paper discusses the arguments in favor and against the death penalty, especially from the standpoint of the U.S. Constitution, including specific cases.
2,600 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, $ 78.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that opposition to the death penalty has focused (1)on the issue of the constitutionality by citing the Eighth Amendment's prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment to prove their claims, (2) the death penalty is ineffective in reducing incidents of violent crime and (3) it is prohibitively expensive. The author points out that the death penalty proponents believe (1) the death penalty is constitutional because it is specifically mentioned in the Bill of Rights stating that the only constitutional prohibition against the death penalty is that it no person be deprived of life without due process of law (U.S. Const. Amend. V) and (2) the death penalty accomplishes legitimate goals, such as punishment and retribution, which cannot be accomplished by alternative sentences. The paper relates that the one thing that both sides agree upon is the fact that "death is different" (Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280 at 305 (1976)): There is no appeal from the death penalty.
From the Paper
"Death penalty proponents argue that those deficiencies have been remedied by recent Supreme Court decisions. In "Atkins v. Virginia", 536 U.S. 304 (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court determined that executing the mentally retarded is unconstitutional. However, opponents of the death penalty can point out the fact that many states have failed to comply with the Atkins decision. Even though there is evidence that many people currently on death row are mentally retarded, some states have failed to institute any way of determining whether or not inmates currently on death row are mentally retarded. The fact is that mild mental retardation may not be apparent to the casual observer, including trial judges."
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Death Penalty for Juvenile Offenders, 2005.
This paper discusses the arguments for and against the juvenile death penalty.
1,470 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 48.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the U.S. Supreme Court decision "Roper v. Simmons" (2005) holds that the death penalty for juveniles is "cruel and unusual" and as such, the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution forbid the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed. The author points out that the advocates for juvenile death penalty argue that a murder committed by a 16 or 17 year old is as gruesome as that committed by an adult and that individuals exhibit different ranges of maturity thus some 17 year olds may be more "mature" than other 20 year olds. The paper states that, in opposition to the juvenile death penalty, psychologists and behavioral scientists have long known that adolescents do not yet have a brain ability to reason as adults do, are 'wired' to behave more irrationally than adults and are subjected to hormonal instability.
Table of Contents
Arguments for Juvenile Death Penalty
A Murder is a Murder
Case-to-Case Basis
Deterrence
No Consensus
Arguments against Juvenile Death Penalty
Brain Development
Raging Hormones
Adolescents are Similar to Mentally-Retarded People
Death Penalty is no Deterrent for Juvenile Offenders
No Death Penalty does not mean Complete Clemency for Offenders
Public Opinion
International Stance
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The alleged evidence quoted by anti-capital punishment advocates that death penalty is not a deterrent is inconclusive. The threat of being put to death as a result of committing murder has always proved to be a deterrent throughout human history. There is no reason to assume that such deterrence does not apply to juveniles. As an example, Christopher Simmons (of the Roper v. Simmons fame) was 17 at the time when he and a 15-year old broke into the home of the victim (Shirley Crook) in Missouri; they bound up the woman with electrical wire and pushed her into a river to die. While planning the burglary and murder, Simmons told his friends that even if he were caught, nothing would happen to him because he was a juvenile. If he had known that he would be facing the death penalty he would surely have not committed the crime."
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Life and Death: Abortion and the Death Penalty, 2005.
Explains why there is no contradiction in simultaneously viewing abortion as permissible in the early stages of pregnancy but the death penalty as impermissible.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 4 sources, APA, $ 71.95
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Abstract
This paper explains why a woman's views that abortion in the early stages of pregnancy is permissible but that the death penalty is never permissible are congruent and consistent from a moral and ethical standpoint.
From the Paper
"Though Abby rejects the application of the death penalty in all instances she does advocate the permissibility of abortion in the early stages. Despite the seeming contradiction of ethics or morals in these views, Abby's views on abortion and the death penalty are more congruent than they might initially appear. This is because abortion is part of a woman's overall reproductive rights guaranteed by law while the death penalty is often applied in a biased manner and represents state-sanctioned homicide..."
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Death Penalty, 2007.
An analysis of the ethical issues surrounding the administration of the death penalty in the United States.
5,401 words (approx. 21.6 pages), 23 sources, MLA, $ 132.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the debate on the death penalty as more than a moral issue of whether it is ever permissible to intentionally kill, but rather as an ethical debate on how the death penalty is administered in the United States. It suggests that issues surrounding the administration of the death penalty, make a compelling case for abolishing capital punishment as a sentencing option in the United States.
Table of Contents:
Does The Death Penalty Deter Crime - And Do Americans Really Support It?
Arguments On Behalf Of Victims' Families Ring Hollow
The Wrongly Accused: DNA And Other Exonerations
Racism And The Death Penalty
Executing The Mentally And Psychologically Incompetent
Ineffective Counsel
Methods Are Not As Painless As Some Argue
Conclusion
From the Paper
"When celebrities such as Robert Blake or O.J. Simpson are charged with murder, it is not uncommon for millions of dollars to be spent on their defense. While we may not expect such extremes when poor or middle-class people are charged with murder, we would expect that these defendants would at least have competent legal representation. Quite clearly, this is often not the case."
"For example, the state of Florida allocates only $3,500 for a person to defend themselves against murder charges when a private lawyer can not be afforded and a public defender is unavailable (Payne 2006). That is, in fact, much less than what one might expect to pay for a reliable used car, and yet it is all the money that is allocated for people trying to save themselves from execution. Further, the state also caps how much can be spent by the defense on appeal (no such cap exists for the prosecution), resulting in what State Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero has referred to as "some of the worst lawyering" he has ever witnessed (Payne 2006)."
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
A discussion on the application of the death penalty around the world.
1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, $ 50.95
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Abstract
This paper explains why the death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights. It discusses some of the the international treaties against the death penalty. The author also explores its application against children, the mentally retarded and others in countries around the world including the United States.
Outline:
Why the Death Penalty is a Violation of Human Rights?
International Treaties Regarding the Death Penalty
Application of the Death Penalty against Children
Death Penalty for Mentally Retarded & Mentally Ill
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"In the United States too, the U.S. Supreme Court by a majority decision on March 1, 2005 in Roper v. Simmons held that death penalty for juveniles was "cruel and unusual" and as such the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution forbid the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed. (Richey, 2005) The Supreme Court decision has effectively stopped child executions in the USA which had executed more child offenders (a total of 19) than any other country between 1990 and 2003. ("Facts and Figures on the Death Penalty," 2006) The Amnesty International reports that there were four executions of child offenders in 2004 - one in China and three in Iran--and eight child offenders were executed in 2005, all of them in Iran."
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Statistics on the Death Penalty, 2008.
A scientific review of four studies that analyze different aspects of the death penalty.
1,733 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, $ 56.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the scientific and statistical validity of a series of studies that present statistical information on some aspect of the death penalty. It examines methods for excluding jurors in death penalty cases, connections between the death penalty and homicide rates, the link between religion, race and support for the death penalty and links between crime rate increases and the death penalty. The paper discusses the statistical strengths and weaknesses that affect the validity of the studies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Neises & Dilehay: "Death Qualification and Conviction Proneness"
Baumer, Messner & Rosenfeld: "Explaining Spatial Variation in Support for Capital Punishment"
Young: "Religious Orientation, Race and Support for the Death Penalty"
Rankin: "Changing Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment"
From the Paper
"Despite that honesty, there are further issues that Rankin fails to point out. For instance, the data gathered by the NORC was gathered over a period of four years. While this might seem like a lengthy period, it may not be long enough to identify large-scale social trends of the kind that this study hopes to identify. Additionally, Rankin puts a significant emphasis on who respondents voted for in presidential elections as a means of gauging their political party, political views, and general lifestyle concerns. Unfortunately, this may not be the best indicator of any of those factors. These concerns limit the effectiveness of this research."
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