By Ananya Murthy
December 2, 2005 marked America’s thousandth execution. Many opponents of capital punishment were disappointed in this country’s policies, and were shocked at the number. Did they think about the 1,895 victims of these criminals, and the justice they deserved?
The death penalty. What a terrifying punishment, so final and cold. But, it also seems so distant – how would it ever affect you, a high school student, who hasn’t murdered anybody? Why should you worry about the death penalty? What you don’t (or maybe do) realize, is that this policy does affect you. The death penalty removes repeat murderers from society, and prospective murderers are deterred. Your safety is maintained through this punishment.
But are these things true? Should anyone support the death penalty? Many of those who are against the death penalty give reasons like, “The death penalty doesn’t deter criminals”, “Many innocent citizens are executed”, and “It’s not right to take a murderer’s life”.
Currently, it is not clear whether the death penalty deters criminals. Some studies show that crime rates decrease with the death penalty, but others indicate the opposite. Often, opponents of capital punishment cite Grant McClellan’s studies in 1961 showing that states without the death penalty have lower crime rates. Proponents of the death penalty cite William Bailey’s 1967-68 study that demonstrated deterrence in 27 states. In addition, it showed that murder rates increased by 100% during an earlier suspension of the death penalty in the US. From these studies, it seems that the death penalty may deter criminals, but more research must be completed.
Contrary to what the opponents of the death penalty believe, innocent people are most likely not being executed in America. In a review of all cases in which the convicted was executed, only twelve of those cases had insubstantial evidence for conviction. Though it is not acceptable for an innocent man to be killed in this country, these “wrongful” executions are not reason enough to abolish the death penalty.
Every year, thousands of innocent Americans are killed in car accidents, factories, and in medical procedures. None of these institutions are abolished for the accidents that occur. The same logic applies to capital punishment.
Another of the main arguments against the death penalty is that the government is murdering its citizens. If execution is murder, then is arresting a criminal equivalent to kidnapping? Of course not! Rather, execution is a punishment devised by society for a deserving criminal.
Similarly to the previous argument, some argue that killing a man is against God’s word. The Ten Commandments state that people should not kill one another, and that vengeance is reserved for God. But, the Bible states that “The murderer shall surely be put to death.” The Bible is recognizing that capital punishment is not only acceptable, but expected for killers.
Perhaps the death penalty still seems brutal and unjust. Maybe these arguments are not convincing. But, they all focus on the murderer and his or her rights. Let us not forget the victim in these cases. Where is the justice for the victim? They should be the focus of almost all arguments for or against this policy.
Criminals have the chance to escape punishment, whether their sentence is commuted, they are given parole, or removed from death row. Victims will never have the chance to escape their death.
Criminals who are to be executed are given the chance to write their wills, say their goodbyes and prayers, and accept their death. Victims leave their lives unfinished and with no closure for the people who they loved.
Criminals are given a painless and dignified death, and can die with their family nearby. Victims are often violated and go through pain and suffering. They die scared and alone.
Don’t they deserve justice?
The death penalty is not a pleasant thought, and that is what it is meant to be. It is meant to scare citizens so that they don’t commit crimes.
The death penalty delivers justice and saves the lives of possible victims.
