The death penalty - Research Paper Example

Retribution and deterrence are often cited as the major objectives aiming to achieve by giving death penalty in America; however, these objectives are difficult to achieve under present circumstances. America is often accused for showing double standards while deciding capital punishments for the Whites and Blacks. It is a fact that some hard core criminals may repeat the crimes if they released from the prison. Some people argue that capital punishment will force people to think in terms of the value associated with human life.

However, capital punishment will eliminate the differences between a civilized and uncivilized society. The secrets behind life and death are unknown to science and technology yet. In short, death penalty is a complex topic and is difficult to either support or criticize it. The Death Penalty “The death penalty is the ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights” (Death Penalty). Death penalty is one of the highly controversial subjects in the world because of the serious ethical issues involved in it.

Critiques of death penalty argue that humans don’t have the moral or legal right to take the life of another person even if he has committed serious crimes. On the other hand, supporters of death penalty argue that in order to save the lives of innocent people or to save the people from threats, death penalty is unavoidable at certain circumstances. “Around 137 countries have abolished the death penalty in law or practice. However, despite international human rights standards, some nations still execute people” (Death Penalty).

“In 2004 four (China, Iran, Vietnam and the US) accounted for 97 percent of all global executions. On average, every 9-10 days a government in the United States executes a prisoner” (Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty (Capital Punishment)). Surprisingly, United Sates, one of the prominent countries which value and argue for human right protection, has no hesitation in giving death penalties to serious criminals. “In US, as of April 1, 2008, the Death Penalty was authorized by 37 states, the Federal Government, and the U.S. Military” (The death penalty in the US) (See appendix for more details).

This paper analyses the pros and cons of death penalty by taking United States as the example. Capital punishment is an expensive way of punishment compared to other punishments because of the heavy expenses needed for it. It is around 70% more expensive when compared to other punishment methods. The trial of a criminal which leads towards a capital punishment is expensive because of the heavy fees needed to be given to the advocates, expert witnesses, forensic testing etc. “In the United States, death penalty is said to serve two principal social purposes: retribution and deterrence of capital crimes by prospective offenders” (Delfino & Day, p.1). America is a Christian country which adheres to the teachings of Jesus Christ.

But, Jesus asked his disciples to love the enemies rather than punishing them. Retribution through capital punishment cannot be justified under any circumstances if we analyze it though the lenses of Christian doctrines. Deterrence is the second objective of giving capital punishments to criminals. However, hard core criminal activities are growing across the world and united Sates is also not an exception.