Death Penalty for Youth Offenders

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Founded in the Principles of Babalyonian in 1780 BCE, the Code of Hammurabi first

established the action of retalitation and retribution of "an eye for an eye." Over time punishment

theories have developed from retribution, detterence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and reform.

Regardless of this development the death penalty has been in existence as far back as history can tell.

The death penalty is a concept of retribution, it's a simple and swift answer to physical or

pyschological harm done to a person by the victim or victim's family. The only difference now

from ancient times is that the retribution is done by our legal system and not the victim's family.

It is facinating how society has enhanced to what is is today in all aspects of life, but we continue

to punish those who take part in crime in a manner that is uncivilized and inhumane. Not only is the death

penalty still being used across the globe and in our nation, but now is being introduced to youth offenders.

I firmly stand that the Cruel and Unusual Punishment clause of the eighth

amendment bars the imposition of the death penalty of juveniles.

The U.S. Constitution's eighth amendment states, "Excessive bail shall not be required, norexcessive fines

imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted." A number of state constitutions also adhere to

similar provisions. Our constituion created by our the founding fathers of our country clearly established

the eighth amendment to protect those committed of crimes. This begs the question, how is the death penalty

still part of the legal system and why has it not yet been found unconstitutional? Some suggest the best possible

answer is detterence. To discourage and prevent future crim...

... middle of paper ...

...A evidence at

the crime scene. As we advance in technology and science, this allows those who have been wrongfully

committed of crimes to in the future possibly be found innocent. The death penalty takes this component

away disregarding true justice to be served.

I believe not only that the eighth amendment protects offenders from cruel and unusual

punishment, but that our legal system and nation should not represent nor promote the death

penalty as a response to violent crimes specifically regarding youth. Our nation was built on

values and morals that speak against retribution and punishment. Our religious beliefs do not

condon these actions either. We must not turn our backs against the troubled youth, but mold

them to be successful productive citizens for they are the future of the world.

Works Cited

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