The Problematics of Capital Punishment

Capital punishment is a universal problematic ideology under constant debate.

Those that oppose the death penalty often agree that it is immoral for the government to take the life of an individual. They frequently state that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment, but our Constitution would never allow such punishments. It states in the eighth amendment, “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted,” (Martin and Jackson) which protects US citizens against cruel punishments from the government on a federal level.

In fact, the goal of the death penalty is for the recipient to be put to death humanely, painlessly, and morally. Executions in America have consistently become more and more painless over the years, especially compared to other countries. Death penalties that occur in the US primarily involve lethal injection, which to date is the most efficient, painless way of execution. Other countries still include barbaric ways of execution such as hangings, stoning, and even crucifixions (Descriptions of Execution Methods). It is morally superior to have a vicious murderer that committed such an evil crime to be executed in a way that lacks the brutality of the criminal’s actions.

Capital punishment follows the requirements and restrictions of the US Constitution. Often times opponents on this matter claim capital punishment goes against our innate rights of life, liberty, and property. When someone goes to prison for a criminal conviction most rights are lost due to their own actions against our country and fellow citizens. The quote, “…nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws,” (Ammar and Harrison) shows how in our Constitution life is a basic human right, but the death penalty does not violate this right because of due process of law. Due process of law helps to prevent innocent people on death row. Cases are revised and revisited for years to go over facts and evidence before the execution ever takes place. Capital punishment is equitable within our political system and society.

Putting a person to death for a heinous crime will never bring back the pain of losing a loved one, but it does provide justice for the people harmed. Capital punishment allows for closure amongst families and those affected. Without capital punishment we are belittling murder and the severity of the crime, especially to the families and loved ones. Without the harshest of punishments for the harshest of crimes justice will never be served. There are many cases where people committed heinous acts of rape and murder and the sentencing was light and minimal. There are people serving life sentences for drug charges such as Alice Marie Johnson who was recently granted clemency.How is it that she was sentenced to life and brutal murderers everyday are let off easy?

Capital punishment is beneficial deterrent to crime and influences the way people behave. Death is amongst one of the biggest fears humanity has.     

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