Argumentative Essay On Capital Punishment

The use of capital punishment dates back for centuries from hangings, burnings and even the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Ancient society would use capital punishment such as stoning, crucifixion and other forms of torture as a way for the government to display its power to its citizens and a way to bring justice to the accused. Capital punishment has been enforced by governments worldwide in order to establish justice and protect their citizens (Muhlhausen). In today’s modern era the moral and economic question has been raised on whether or not this century old punishment is still an effective way to punish the worst of the worst.

Since the late 2000’s government setbacks have called into question the cost effectiveness this punishment provides. The fifth amendment of the constitution states that no person should be deprived of life without due process of law. This amendment alone divides a majority of people who point to this example to support their cause (“Capital Punishment”). Millions of dollars are thrust into capital

John Bessler, an attorney and professor of law at the University of Minnesota Law School, argues that killing already captured criminals will somehow solve the problem of violence and sends a misguided message to society. He goes on by providing statistical analysis proving that states with the death penalty have 48 to 101 percent higher homicide rates than those without (Bessler). On the other hand, Neil Clark, a teacher and freelance journalist living in England, argues that capital punishment can deter crime rates at an astonishing level. Singapore effectively uses its system of capital punishment to sentence criminals to death for small crimes including drug possession. This allows Singapore to withhold the standard of living and make it one of the safest countries in the modern world