Essay About Death Penalty
As little as 200 years ago, a common thief could be sentenced to the death penalty in England. This “practice” should, on one side, punish and, on the other side, deter other people from stealing.
The paradox, however, was that while the crowd gathered to watch the execution, the thieves gathered equally to empty the pockets of unassuming onlookers. This example makes the death penalty as a deterrent for future crime somewhat questionable.
The reason why people commit crimes is complex and depends on a multitude of psychological and social conditions. To expect the death penalty to “fix” all this might be too simple. Could it be that the death penalty does not have a deterrent effect because any person committing a crime subconsciously believes he is the one not getting caught?
Is the death penalty still relevant?
Since no study could prove that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on crime, do you still think it has relevance in our society? Consider that US states that have abolished the death penalty have a lower crime rate!
Discussion points
The law in America says that a prisoner on death row must go through the entire circle of appeal and re-appeal until all possibilities are exhausted to change the death penalty to life in prison before they can be executed. However, there were a few cases recently where the prisoner did not want to go through years of re-appeals. They wanted to be executed as soon as possible.
Discuss whether the inmate should be given the freedom to end his life without further appeals and endless waiting on death row. If those inmates were granted this wish, what difference would it have on future legislative lawmaking, if any? Should the state budget play a role in this decision? Would it make any difference for the families of people on death row?
Discussion points 2
Does terrorism take an exemption?
Looking back at the history of terrorism, the death penalty never prevented terrorists from attacking the state and or individuals. Those who commit crimes with such brutality believe in their cause for which they are willing to die, which makes them a martyr for what they believe in.
Discuss whether “ideological warfare” could successfully be combated by the death penalty.
Using the discussion points above, you can write an outstanding essay. You can show your point of view and prove independent and insightful thinking.
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