Dead Man Walking: Death Penalty in America

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Capital punishment, otherwise known as “The Death Penalty,” has been around for many years and has been the cause of death for over twelve hundred inmates since 1976 (“Death Penalty Information Center”), but is the Death Penalty really beneficial to the American public? This question is in the back of many people’s minds, and has left many questioning the meaning of the punishment. The death penalty targets murderers or high profile cases. Some say that the death penalty should apply to those who murder, rape, or abuse human beings such as children, or women. The significance of the penalty is to teach these criminals that there are laws that must be followed. In a figurative sense, it is to teach those potential wrongdoers a lesson. By examining the facts around us, we can gain a greater sense of security, and a greater understanding of what the death penalty can accomplish, all while assessing the high-quality aspects that the penalty has to offer. Many who have been touched by these crimes, the supporters, show a strong encouragement for the penalty, whereas those who have never had a loved one murdered by a deranged psychopath, the opposing party, show a sturdy opposition. The supporters encourage this endeavor usually seeking some sort of revenge against said “deranged psychopath.” These few represent the vast majority of citizens that find “comfort” in knowing that justice had been done. On the other hand, people who have not been affected by this find the penalty harsh and uncalled for, although the killer showed no mercy for the deceased. The individuals mentioned above are the faces representing the death penalty, whether they are for or against it. One area of disagreement that many encounter when analyzing the need... ... middle of paper ... ...th penalty justifiable, or beneficial to America? There is not an answer to that question. Although the death penalty debate rages on, people will always take sides and the debate will rage on forever. Works Cited Berry, Williams W. “Ending Death By Dangerousness: A Path To The De Facto Abolition Of The Death Penalty.” Arizona Law Review 52.4 (2010): 889-924. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2011. “deathpenaltyinfo.org” Death Penalty Information Center. N.p., 2011. Web. 3 Nov 2011 Jones, Sandra J., and Elizabeth Beck. “Disenfranchisement Grief And Nonfinite Loss As Experienced By The Families Of Death Row Inmates.” Omega: Journal of Death and Dying 54.4 (2006): 281-299. Academic Search Complete. Web. 3 Nov. 2011. Mtshali, Lihle. “Death Penalty is Just Vengence in a Mask.” Sunday Times (South Africa) 25 September 2011. n. pag. Web. 3 Nov. 2011

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