The Death Penalty - Research Paper Example

The Death Penalty Introduction Ethics is an important aspect of human beings that should be exercised and observed all the time. It comprises of the societal values that everyone accepts as the standards of governing behaviors. Similarly, being moral is also tied to ethics as they are exercised collectively by the society. However, questions arise about the way people perceive things as what one may consider as ethically or morally right is wrong for the other person. Hence, its different definitions and perception bring the diversion point among many. For instance, the issue of death penalty among the criminals elicits hot debates whenever it is mentioned. This is because there are those who consider it morally and ethically right while others oppose it. Hence, it has been difficult to reach consensus on this issue, and the debate continues. The rest of the paper will discuss the issues associated with the death penalty. Summary of the major issues, concepts and distinctions The death penalty is not a new phenomenon in the society, and it has been in existence over the last decades. Even today, many nations still practice death penalty including the US, who believes to be the human rights advocates. This was witnessed when it hanged the Iranian president, Saddam Hussein. There are still lingering and unanswered question regarding the death penalty. Many people believe that the continuous existence of death penalty in the 21st century compromises the role of the justice system. For instance, the justice system was established with the desire for rehabilitation but not retribution (Norman, 1995). Therefore, it is unconvincing to kill a convict because the justice system has made a judgment. To many people, the death penalty is immoral and unethical. Life is un-alienated right that everyone should enjoy. Hence, human rights activists believe that taking ones right more so natural right is immoral and unethical. The justice system of any nation has a role of rehabilitating the offenders so that they dont repeat the same crime. Because of this, the convicts are given another new chance to re-evaluate themselves and start a new life. Imposing death penalty on criminals is an indication of failed justice system as it is an unethical practice. As much as a person who commits capital offenses deserves capital punishment, the death penalty is harsh and compromises the role of humanity as well as natural rights (Norman, 1995). Discussion of opposing viewpoints There is an unending debate on the ethics and morality of death penalty on those who commits a crime. Proponents and opponents of the death penalty are in an equal measure, and each group has a reason for their stand. Therefore, the discussion requires a proper understanding of the facts and the roles of the justice system in rehabilitating such people. The opponents of the death penalty believe that it does not teach the condemned anything hence offers no lesson to them (Stearman, 2008). In many cases, people learn from their mistakes and forge ways of moving forward. Similarly, studying one’s past allows one to work on the weaknesses that make him or her to commit crimes. Similarly, people are told their mistakes and given time to correct or respond to them. In this case, the person who is to be helped is not given time to change but killed because he or she has been convicted. Moreover, those who commit crimes are locked in prisons that limit their freedom of movement and association with others and at the same time spares their life. Hence, it is a punishment that many people will learn from. Thus, it contradicts those that are put to death immediately after the trial because they learn nothing since they are no longer alive (Burkhead, 2013). Because of this, it is impossible rehabilitating a dead person making the practice unethical. Secondly, the death penalty does not dissuade (Stearman, 2008). The aim of punishing is to deter people from further committing crimes. Despite the continuous punishments effected on the offenders, people still commit offenses such as murdering, stealing among others. Hence, one may ask himself, or herself, why do people still murder? For instance, statistics shows that as at 2012, the US, the murder rate was 4.8 victims per 100,000 which can be interpreted to mean that 15,000 were victims of homicide (Flamehorse, 2013). Because of this, it is practical to believe that capital punishments such as death penalty do not change the behaviors of criminals and stop them from killing. It serves no purpose because it cant persuade the criminals to stop. Therefore, it is unethical to continue with the death penalty because its objective is not achieved. Thirdly, the death penalty is hypocritical because a nation can’t denounce murder by committing the same murder (Burkhead, 2013). The US is one of the nations that advocates for the rights of others by killing others. For instance, Saddam Hussein was murdered because of killing others in his country. Therefore, it makes no difference by doing what you are condemning. Therefore, it is immoral to exercise death penalty if a nation is unable to protect the same rights. On the other hand, proponents believe that death penalty is the ultimate warning shot to the criminals (Burkhead, 2013). This implies that people may not be at ease of committing a crime when they feel that the punishment is very heavy and result in death. Secondly, death penalty provides closure to victims (Stearman, 2008). In many cases, the victims are relieved when a harsh punishment is executed to the criminal. Hence, the victim will feel some comfort and see as if justice is served. This is contrary to cases when the victims see the criminal still roaming as this instill some fears. Death penalty helps in the healing process of the victims as they will no longer feel about the ordeal. Evaluation and alternative viewpoints In evaluating the alternatives discussed above, I oppose the idea of the death penalty. Just as discussed above, there is no major reason people should be murdered because of conviction. From the time immemorial, people have been killed because of conviction but this hasn’t stopped homicide. Homicide cases are still rampant in the society. Because of this fact, death penalty plays no role but instead infringes on people’s natural right to life. It does not deter criminals since they would commit crimes if they want owing to the consequences. Secondly, it is ridiculous for some nations to condemn those who murder others by doing the same thing. Most people who are convicted to the death penalty are those who have done homicide. It is the same Justice that is responsible for protecting the right of the convict by recommending rehabilitation but ends up recommending the death penalty. Hence, it does not weigh the facts since they are equally liable to murder either directly or indirectly. Because of this, finding an alternative to the death penalty is ideal for protecting the rights of both parties. Although the proponents argue that death penalty acts as a closure to the victim, this is not true. There is nothing that the victim will gain even if the convict is murdered the same way. Two wrong don’t make a right and the victim will still live with the pain. Secondly, the argument that it acts as a warning shot does not bear any truth in it. How many warning shots should be there to make people change their criminal’s behaviors? It is impossible since people still continue committing a crime even with the death penalty in place. Conclusion The death penalty is debatable, but its cons outweigh the pros. The criminal justice needs to develop and use other avenues that substitute death penalty. Over the decades, the death penalty has not worked to deter criminals from unethical behaviors. Hence, it results in abuse of human rights by taking life. Making best use of rehabilitation facilities is essential. References Burkhead, M. (2013). A life for a life: the American debate over the death penalty. London: McFarland. Flamehorse. (2013). Arguments for and against the death penalty. Retrieved from http://listverse.com/2013/06/01/5-arguments-for-and-against-the-death-penalty/ Norman, R. (1995). Ethics, killing and war. New York: Cambridge University Press. Stearman, K. (2008). The debate about the death penalty. 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