The Death Penalty, as a form of corporal punishment in contemporary law, is the legal enforcement of terminating the lives of individuals found guilty of a crime. Unlike other punishments that temporarily confine offenders, it is irreversible. While its primary aim is not to cause physical suffering, it remains the only applicable form of corporal punishment for adults. Life-long imprisonment serves as the typical alternative to capital punishment.
Capital punishment is a highly controversial subject in the United States, sparking debates on various aspects. It goes beyond legality and involves practical, philosophical, social, political, and moral considerations. Personally, I endorse the death penalty only after careful examination of all other options and when there are no remaining doubts. I support the idea of retribution as I believe that actions have consequences and murder should not be exempt from them.
The concept of deterrence in relation to capital punishment has been a major topic of discussion. The fear of death serves as a deterrent for potential criminals, and I personally believe that the death penalty effectively deters them from committing further crimes, thus eliminating them from society. Additionally, it is crucial for potential offenders to comprehend the consequences associated with engaging in criminal behavior.
Abolitionists have long argued that deterrence is not a valid assumption, as most murders cannot be logically deterred by any form of punishment, including death. These acts of violence are often motivated by intense emotions like rage, frustration, hatred, or fear. They occur during moments of irrational thinking when the perpetrators fail to consider the personal consequences of their actions. Although I acknowledge this perspective, I maintain my belief in the deterrent effect and support the execution of serial killers who continuously take lives. The aim of this approach is to prevent further loss of innocent lives.
I am a supporter of capital punishment due to my personal encounter with a drive-by shooting that led to the killing of a promising student. Currently, the perpetrators of this violent act are held in juvenile hall. What concerns me greatly is that these young offenders may be released when they turn eighteen. I firmly believe that these criminals should have faced execution, as it would eliminate the possibility of them committing another murder. By implementing the death penalty in such instances, it guarantees that they will never have the chance to end another life.
