The Capital Punishment Debate

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Capital punishment (the death penalty) is the means of punishment, decided by the court, which most convicted murderers, are sentenced to. This sentencing involves the induced death of the convicted criminals by various means. Most of the methods used or previously used for the execution process include: lethal injection, hanging, firing squad, gas chamber, electrocution (DPIC 2006). Murders have taken place all over the world throughout history and still continue to this day. Many argue on what the proper punishment would be for these types of criminals. Some believe that many years or life in prison is the best verdict for these convicts. Others will argue that capital punishment is a more suitable punishment. Although the death penalty has been in effect for many years and still continues to be practiced, the debate of whether or not this type of punishment should be allowed is still active. Certain people will say that it is cruel to resort to this type of punishment while others will say it is very necessary.

The system of capital punishment is designed for the protection from the potential threat that the convicted have on society. Dudly Sharp, states that “by executing murderers you prevent them from murdering again and do, thereby, save innocent life” (19). The only way to prevent a person from committing murder continuously after being convicted is punishing them under the same means. This can only ensure the safety of the community. Capital punishment is even elaborated from a biblical standpoint also. Dr. Dave Miller states in his article, that “Very early in human history, God decreed that murderers were to forfeit their own lives” (2). Even God believes that murders do not have a right to live. The concern of whether or not capital punishment is a suitable system for punishment for murder convicts is an issue. In her article, Deborah White argues that capital punishment “…violates the right to life…It is the ultimate, cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment” (3). White believes that it is cruel to condemn someone to death who has intentionally killed other people. The world is full of murderers. These heinous crime performers, unless brought to justice, will continue their dirty deeds with no incentive to quit. A criminal who commits murder, should not go without being severely punished. Gregory Koukl states that in regards to any crime the convicted “…deserve to be punished, and the punishment should fit the crime” (36).

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