The idea is to conduct a research paper on capital punishment, which is prohibited in Canada but still available in certain parts of the United States and other regions worldwide. Given the Stephen Harper government’s recent efforts to address crime, it is crucial to examine this subject. There is a growing inclination towards making criminals more responsible for their deeds through harsher sentences and punitive actions.
The ongoing discussion surrounding capital punishment spans across various fields including law, philosophy, ethics, and sociology. While some argue against its ethical viability in the present era, others maintain that it acts as a significant deterrent and safeguards society by dissuading dangerous criminals from committing further offenses. The effectiveness and fairness of the death penalty are also topics of debate.
Many cases have been brought to court claiming that innocent people are on death row, which raises concerns as this irreversible action cannot be reversed if the allegations are proven wrong. Moreover, the death penalty’s execution leads to considerable expenses for both the state and society, costing millions of dollars to carry out capital punishment. Furthermore, numerous offenders on death row strongly contest each stage of the legal process, resulting in significant waste of resources. However, the outcome typically remains unchanged unless new evidence emerges. The research paper will delve into the following areas:
This research paper focuses on specific areas of interest, such as examining statistical data that illustrates the occurrence of violent crimes in US states where the death penalty is enforced compared to those without it. Additionally, the ethical implications related to this choice will be explored, going beyond its immediate effects on the offender and victim by also affecting their families and society as a whole. Moreover, a dedicated section of this paper will assess whether the death penalty genuinely serves as a deterrent for extremely violent criminals and their actions.
Ultimately, my goal is to investigate the notion that capital punishment is not more humane than a criminal killing a victim. There are those who argue that no form of capital punishment can be considered humane, and I intend to analyze the various methods currently in use. This introduction and preliminary thesis explore humanity’s longstanding connection to crime, punishment, and the legal system. Over time, society has employed the death penalty, also known as capital punishment, as a way of holding individuals accountable for violating laws.
Although there is global backing for capital punishment, it is increasingly recognized that it fails to effectively discourage potential violent and dangerous criminals. Moreover, it is no more effective than alternative methods of rehabilitation. Furthermore, capital punishment incurs high costs and demands substantial resources. Additionally, it carries the risk of wrongful conviction and contradicts ethical and moral principles, particularly in light of advancements in human rights within our society.
Rehabilitative models, like the one used in the Canadian penal system, offer an equal level of deterrence and avoid the moral and ethical concerns associated with a capital punishment-based approach. Bibliography Radelet, Michael L, and Traci L Lacock. “Do Executions Lower Homicide Rates? : The Views of Leading Criminologists. ” Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology. 09. 02 (2009): 489-508. Print. One of the main debates surrounding capital punishment is whether its mere existence can deter criminals from engaging in violent offenses like homicides and sexual assaults.
In this paper, various prominent criminologists and their analysis of homicide rates are examined. Their research can help shape my own perspective on the effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent to violent crime. Additionally, it allows for consideration of alternative approaches, such as Canada’s emphasis on incarceration rather than capital punishment.
In her article titled “Should the death penalty be abolished? Arguments for and against the centuries old punishment,” Gavrila, Adina Nicoleta explores the topic of capital punishment and its relevance to my research paper. The author utilizes statistical data and policy interpretation to analyze the increasing trend towards capital punishment and examines the policies of 23 countries that still practice it as a form of punishment (Gavrila, Adina Nicoleta, Journal for Communication and Culture, 2011:82-98).
Through the utilization of statistical data from organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International, an extensive examination is conducted on human rights laws and religious arguments. This paper holds personal importance as it offers current and pertinent information, delving into the ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment and disproving various assertions put forth by supporters of the death penalty. Ultimately, this paper provides a persuasive and concise argument advocating for the elimination of capital punishment as a means of criminal retribution.
In his article, “Capital Punishment: A Human Right Examination Case Study & Jurisprudence,” published in the International NGO Journal, Valbhav Goel (2008) examines the topic of capital punishment. From a human rights law perspective and within a sociological context, the author delves into the cruel and unethical nature of this form of punishment. Goel considers various viewpoints on capital punishment, including those in favor and against it, while also highlighting recent trends in its implementation during the last ten years.
Goel (year) examines the utilization of the death penalty in notable cases, such as the execution of Sadaam Hussein, and deliberates on whether specific individuals warrant the implementation of capital punishment. This research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of global trends in capital punishment, while also delving into the legal examination of whether it violates human rights and international law.
In another study by Peffley and Hurwitz (year), the concept of capital punishment is explored within the context of race relations in America. The authors investigate why certain groups support capital punishment and why certain demographics, such as African Americans and visible minorities, are disproportionately subjected to the death penalty compared to Caucasians, even when facing similar criminal circumstances.
This paper aims to analyze trends within specific demographics and explore the acceptance or reluctance of capital punishment over certain periods in American history. The findings will contribute to the development of my research paper on the reasons behind people’s preference for capital punishment during times of extreme events, such as the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Research Proposal: Capital Punishment – An In depth Examination.
