Persuasive Essay : The History Of The Death Penalty

The death penalty has been a controversial topic for a long time, and rightfully deserves to be when a man’s life is in the government’s hand. Although life sentences are the popular alternative, the death penalty is the best solution to heinous crimes because it saves the government money, teaches citizens that they are responsible for their own actions and actually saves lives. Capital punishment has been around since the 18th century B.C., when the code of King Hammurabi of Babylon established death as the penalty for 25 different crimes. The death penalty cannot be seen as “cruel and unusual punishment” since it has been around for so long.

Capital punishment has been recorded since colonial times. The first death sentence by firing squad was carried out at the Jamestown colony on an alleged spy. The practice was suspended by the Supreme Court in 1972. The last execution before this period was in 1967, before being reinstated in 1976. The new death penalty was tweaked, barring execution for rape, and now mitigating and aggravating factors were considered. While imposition of the death penalty was now less common than before, it should never have been brought back. Life without parole is a more viable option. It costs millions less and also ensures that the public is protected while eliminating the risk of any fatal mistake in the judicial process. Proponents seek capital punishment in more emotionally charged trials than anything. It is more of a witch hunt than the pursuit of justice. An eye for and eye is revenge, and nothing more. Revenge sometimes looks like justice, but these two things are not interchangeable.

Capital punishment has always been a major controversy ever since the Supreme Court ruled it constitutional. Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, became extremely popular as a use of “punishment” for ones illegal actions. The death penalty was first established during 1834 for crimes committed such as “idolatry, witchcraft, blasphemy, murder, manslaughter, poisoning, bestiality, sodomy, adultery, man stealing, and false witness in case rebellion” (Bohm).

The death penalty is a lot like the statement “crying over spilled milk” in the sense that it is pointless and makes no real difference with regards to the situation. The death penalty was created as a punishment for crimes committed, but even from the beginning crime was still a problem and the punishment was not a deterrent. The history concerning the death penalty is extensive and can be found documented all the way back to Ancient Babylon in 18th Century BC (Reggio). It was used as punishment for a variety of crimes varying from place to place and was, in some instances, used as the punishment for all crimes. In every one of the places and time spans where the death penalty was implemented crime was still present. Criminals were not deterred by the threat of death even then and today is no different. If someone wants to commit a crime badly enough, not even death can change their mind.

It is important to understand that the death penalty predates the Roman and Egyptian empires. It can be traced as far back as ancient Babylon under the reign of King Hammurabi during the 18th century BCE. There has been many definitions and translations of the rules for the death penalty over the centuries. Throughout that time the death penalty has been around as a tool to eliminate monstrous criminals from society. The death penalty has proved throughout history that it is a tool that the government and people need to extinguish the bad from wreaking havoc on society.

Over 75% of the murder victims in cases concerning in an execution where white, even though nationally only 50% of murders victims usually where white. 34 states plus the government use lethal injection as their primary injection. Some states utilizing lethal injection have other methods available as backups. There were a lot of death row for woman and men put together. From the year to 2014 till now 2015 there were 56 woman on death row in Dec 31, 2014. This is less than two percent of the total death row population.

All-in-all, the death penalty is a worldwide controversy. From time to time the death penalty has changed and changed again. From being hung, to electrocution, to lethal injection, the death penalty has always been a cruel and unusual punishment for criminals everywhere. The death penalty has also always been an option for those to do harm to others yet it has made the world safer by no accidents to prisoners who

The death penalty originated in ancient Egypt for culprits accused of performing magic. Later, during the 1800’s, people were hung for terrible crimes they committed. Currently, the death penalty is a lethal injection that terminates felons for heinous crimes, like espionage, treason, and murder, yet many problems arise. The death penalty should be abolished because innocent lives are taken, it is unconstitutional, and it is inhumane.

The death penalty is the punishment of execution, administered to someone legally of a capital crime. The laws of the death penalty were first established during the eighteenth century B.C. by King Hammaurabi. Captain George Kendall became the first person on record to get the death penalty in 1608. Some think that the government should not have the right to kill anyone. The death penalty shouldn’t exist because it doesn’t deter crime, it costs more to execute someone rather than to them in jail for life, and there is racial discrimination when it comes to the death penalty.

The death penalty or also known as capital punishment has been a punishment for over thousands of years. It has been used as a method of capital punishment for murder, rape, and other crimes. The death penalty has been around since it was known to start around the the 18th century B.C. but even before that. “ In the 18th Century BC, the Code of King Hammurabi of Babylon codified the death penalty for twenty five different crimes, although murder was not one of them”(Reggie, Michael H). The death penalty has been around since it was known to start around the the 18th century B.C. but even before that. “ Death sentences were carried out by such means as crucifixion, drowning, beating to death, burning alive, and impalement”(Death Penalty Information

Although some do believe that we should take a life for a life taken, the death penalty isn’t the best option. The death penalty is a capital punishment where a person is put to death. Not only is the death penalty a very expensive process, but also, many lives that are taken are found to be innocent. Also, many find the death penalty more inviting than to have life in prison without parole.

The death penalty is an extremely controversial topic. The death penalty should be in use for every state. Ever since America became a nation, Americans have argued about it. There are many people who agree and disagree over the use of it. The government is deemed to punish criminals, but the main question is to what extent. Capital punishment, such as the death penalty, should be used as a deterrent for crime. The death penalty is mostly institutionalized in the Southern and Midwestern states; Texas has instituted it the most. While there are many ways for one to find oneself on death row, homicide is the most common of these. Treason and kidnapping are also prevalent examples of crimes that could land one on death row. The punishment for a criminal depends upon the complexity, and seriousness of the crime. If one were to commit a crime of that extremity, one should have a penalty that is equivalent to ones crime. “In ancient history, criminals were brought to an arena to be killed in public games.” Also, being nailed to a cross, beheading and hanging were other penalties for the serious crimes committed. These are all different ways of carrying out the death penalty, but they are ‘out-dated’. One never sees the death penalty used the way they were in ancient times anymore. “Executions were once public events of high drama.” In the colonial times executions were considered to be celebrations for the community by uniting the good people against the face of evil. Hangings

According to Deathpenaltyinfo.org, as of July 1st, 2017 there were approximately 2,817 prisoners on death row. CNN.com says that, as of now, the death penalty is only legal in 31 out of the 50 states. Did you know that the average death row inmate will spend roughly 15 years in prison before they meet their final day; nearly a quarter of death row inmates die of natural causes while waiting for execution, and exhausting all of their appeals? How about that in Virginia death row inmates are now able to play games, watch TV, send emails, and have physical contact with visitors along with much more? Death row is for criminals that have committed heinous crimes and have been convicted by 12 unanimous jurors to death. So, why give them that many privileges?

I understand that because of what you have experienced you feel closure from the death penalty. I do see your point of view, so I can understand why you agree. However, I must say I disagree. It does not deter crime. A criminal is not going to stop and think “if I kill this person I will have to sit in prison or be sentenced to death”. It just does not cross people's minds. You said that you believe he knew exactly what he was doing. That statement is probably true. However, if someone commits a horrific act on purpose, they usually are happy with the outcome. I know you would like to think that after seeing the aftermath of their actions they feel remorse. The reality is that they know right from wrong. They just have no regard for that feeling of knowing they are doing something wrong.

If your brother killed his best friend, do you think he should be executed by the state? Many people are conflicted on whether or not the death penalty should be used to deal with these types of situations. 49% of the population accepts the death penalty for those found guilty of murder, while 42% disagree. (5 Facts About The Death Penalty) Less than a month ago, on October 19, 2017 Torrey McNabb was executed in Alabama by lethal injection. (Death Penalty Information Center) Each state has their own decision on whether or not they choose to utilize the death penalty. For example, in Alabama the death penalty is legal. It would be favorable to either have the death penalty in every state or abolish it altogether. The use of the death penalty throughout the United States causes great controversy. Capital punishment should not be used due to the inhumane and unnecessary effects.