Death Penalty
Jacqueline Bryant
Ms. Mills
English IV – 4th period
20 September 2012
A Defense of Justice
“May the punishment fit the crime” (“Top Ten Arguments for the Death Penalty”).”The death penalty began in the 18th century B.C.; the methods used were crucifixion, drowning, beating, burning alive and impalement. Other methods also used were boiling, burning at stake, draw and quartering and beheading” (“Introduction to Death Penalty”). “There are 35 states with death penalty and 15 states without” (“Facts about Death Penalty”). Of all 50 states Texas has the highest number of executions since 1976. The percentage of white males executed is 56 percent, compared to 35 percent of black males executed. With males being the dominated sex executed, only 12 women have been executed since 1976 (“Facts about Death Penalty”). The most common method used for death penalty is lethal injection; it is believed to be the most humane way (“Introduction to Death Penalty”). The death penalty creates a deterrent, gives closure to the victim’s family, and justice is served to society (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). Some people believe the death penalty should not be used because of the cost and the controversial argument stating it is “cruel and unusual punishment”. They also believe that some accused are sent to death innocent. Arguing the disbeliefs in the death penalty, its cost is a major factor (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). In Texas the cost is 2.3 million dollars for one execution, the reason being “endless appeals, additional required procedures, judges, attorneys, and court reporters, all paid with tax payer money” (“Facts about the Death Penalty”) (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). The other controversial argument against the death penalty is it being considered “cruel and unusual punishment. The Bible states an “eye for an eye”, which means a death for a death (“Exodus 21:23-25).
Ms. Mills
English IV – 4th period
20 September 2012
A Defense of Justice
“May the punishment fit the crime” (“Top Ten Arguments for the Death Penalty”).”The death penalty began in the 18th century B.C.; the methods used were crucifixion, drowning, beating, burning alive and impalement. Other methods also used were boiling, burning at stake, draw and quartering and beheading” (“Introduction to Death Penalty”). “There are 35 states with death penalty and 15 states without” (“Facts about Death Penalty”). Of all 50 states Texas has the highest number of executions since 1976. The percentage of white males executed is 56 percent, compared to 35 percent of black males executed. With males being the dominated sex executed, only 12 women have been executed since 1976 (“Facts about Death Penalty”). The most common method used for death penalty is lethal injection; it is believed to be the most humane way (“Introduction to Death Penalty”). The death penalty creates a deterrent, gives closure to the victim’s family, and justice is served to society (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). Some people believe the death penalty should not be used because of the cost and the controversial argument stating it is “cruel and unusual punishment”. They also believe that some accused are sent to death innocent. Arguing the disbeliefs in the death penalty, its cost is a major factor (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). In Texas the cost is 2.3 million dollars for one execution, the reason being “endless appeals, additional required procedures, judges, attorneys, and court reporters, all paid with tax payer money” (“Facts about the Death Penalty”) (“Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment”). The other controversial argument against the death penalty is it being considered “cruel and unusual punishment. The Bible states an “eye for an eye”, which means a death for a death (“Exodus 21:23-25).
Cited: “Facts about the Death Penalty.” Death Penalty Information Center. N.p., 14 January 2011. Web. 11 September 2012. Holy Bible. Nashville: GQ Design, n.d. Print. “Introduction to Death Penalty.” Death Penalty Information Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 September 2012. “Should the Death Penalty be Banned as a Form of Punishment.” Balance Politics. N.p., 12 October 2010. Web. 21 January 2011. “Top 10 Arguments for the Death Penalty.” Akorra.com. N.p., 12 January 2011. Web. 11 September 2012. “Top 10 Pros and Cons.” Procon.org. N.p., 13 April 2009. Web. 17 September 2012.