Death Penalty in Contemporary Society
Although some people may say that the death penalty is completely absurd and an unjust method of punishment, this is not true. In a contemporary society, the idea that the death penalty is necessary is partially valid. Recent studies have shown that the death penalty acts as a deterrent, preventing murders and saving lives. The death penalty also allows for reduced costs, instead of having that person in jail for the rest of their life. Lastly, it provides justice for the victims and the families who went through the pain and struggles of the crime.
According to around a dozen studies, executions save lives. Studies show that for each inmate put to death, three to eighteen murders are prevented. Research; such as that from H. Naci Mocan, an economist at LSU shows that the death penalty has a deterrent effect. This shows that the death penalty has a lasting effect on a community and the criminals in that community. The death penalty shows that criminals could be subject to capital punishment for crimes they are committing, so it makes them realize that and to not do it. Also, if a person is put to death instead of being put in jail for a period of time, that person won’t be released from jail to do the same crime, such as murder, and go back into jail, thus saving lives of innocent people. (Source C and Source E)
From previous arguments, the death penalty allows for reduced costs to taxpayers. It’s been stated that it costs roughly $100,000 a year per prisoner, for all their expenses. These expenses include housing, food, medical, judicial needs, and education. In the case of Walter McMillian, who received the death penalty in Monroeville, Alabama, the Alabama penal system saved in upwards of $1,000,000 by putting McMillian to death. By jailing a criminal, taxpayers have to pay for everything that an inmate has, thus making