The Issue of Capital Punishment in American Politics

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The Issue of Capital Punishment in American Politics

In 2002, 71 persons in 13 States were executed -- 33 in Texas; 7 in

Oklahoma, 6 in Missouri; 4 each in Georgia and Virginia, 3 each in

Florida, South Carolina, and Ohio; 2 each in Alabama, Mississippi, and

North Carolina; and 1 each in Louisiana and California.

In 2003, 65 inmates were executed, 6 fewer than in 2002.

The death penalty has become a topic of serious controversy in recent

years. In particular, debate has been made over whether or not the

death penalty is an appropriate punishment for severe crimes such as

murder. Although the topic has been the subject of recent debate, it

is interesting to note that the basic opinions on both sides of the

argument date back to ancient times.

There are essentially two justifications for criminal punishment. The

first is retributive.

It is the idea that criminals deserve to be punished, that it is

morally right to punish wrong acts. The second justification is

utilitarian. Under this theory, punishment is justified because it

makes society better off in some way, perhaps by deterring potential

criminals, protecting society by segregating criminals, or by

reforming the criminal such that he/she can one day rejoin society.

I don’t believe either of these justifications for criminal punishment

supports the use of the death penalty. To take the utilitarian view

first, I would argue that capital punishment is an unsuccessful

deterrent. People still commit the crimes and figures of serious crime

haven’t gone down Secondly, I don’t think capital punishment is

necessary to segregate offenders and thereby protect society. A prison

and a life sentence can take care of that. Third, I think the

prospects for rehabilitation of capital offenders are quite slim, and

in any case, capital punishment certainly prevents whatever

possibilities there might otherwise be, cos you know, the guy or girls

dead anyway! The utilitarian theory of punishment would seem to

suggest that capital punishment is a bad idea. It is more costly than

lifelong confinement.

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