...Capital Punishment: Why the Death Penalty is Morally Permissible Karina Morgan April 13, 2010 Professor Mark Reynolds PHI 206 Sec. 04 Word Count: 1,910 Syllogism for Argument: 1. Every human has a right to life 2. But this right is not absolute because a person’s life can be overridden for good reasons 3. So the right of life does not hold in every situation no matter what 4. One of these situations includes taking the life of another innocent human 5. Therefore, it is morally permissible to set the right to life aside, and use the death penalty, if they took the life of an innocent human. Outline I. The Death Penalty -Thesis- Although all humans have the right to life, there are certain situations that can overrule this right, such as taking the life of an innocent human. Since the right of life does not hold in every situation and if an innocent human’s life is taken, then it is morally permissible to set the right to life aside and use the death penalty on the person who committed murder. II. Pro-Death Penalty A. Retribution a. The death penalty is the best way in order to serve justice to convicted murderers of innocent people. b. The families and friends of victims will feel more secure if justice is served. c. There will be no worry about the murderer being able to commit more murders or to have any chance of receiving parole. B. Deterrence b. If the death penalty is continuously used in all...
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...Pros and Cons of Death Penalty Does the execution of a murderer serve justice for all? One of the most controversial topics in the world today not only deals with the death penalty, also known as capital punishment, but whether it should be abolished or not . While some believe that the death penalty is “cruel and unusual punishment” violating the 8th amendment of the United States Constitution, others argue that “an eye for an eye” does justice. Thirty-four different states support this type of punishment including Oklahoma, leaving fifteen states that do not. According to Newport and the Gallup Polls, as of May 2007, “sixty-six percent of Americans -- almost the same percentage that supports the death penalty” consider the death penalty “morally acceptable.” Only twenty-seven percent of people believe the death penalty is morally wrong. Some say that the “legality in the United States is critically undermining American moral stature around the world (Ballaro & Cushman)." The death penalty is a very emotional, complex, and rather complicated matter that includes, but not limited to, the argument of the pros and cons as well as the fact that some convicted people whether executed or not are then later freed from guilt and blame (exonerated). There are many different pros of the death penalty, but I have chosen to only discuss a few of the most controversial topics. Supporters of death penalty believe that “[j]ustice is only achieved when a crime is met with the proper punishment...
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...The death penalty has been around for as long as anyone can remember. As of today, the death penalty is still practiced in certain states. The death penalty is a social injustice because the killing of a human being goes against the sixth commandment, “Thou shall not kill”. Since the death penalty is against the law of God, it is morally wrong. It is understandable that he/she is being put on death row for the murder of another human being, which also goes against the sixth commandment, but who is the government to say it is his/her time to die? By putting some on death row, the government is basically saying that his/her life is not important enough. That is basically like saying since you weren’t in complete uniform this quarter, the teacher is going to ignore your 90 average and just fail you instead. The value of someone’s life should not be put into the hands of the government because God is the ultimate judge; He decides when a person’s life should end. Allowing people to determine the lifespan of criminals is morally wrong. Criminals should have the opportunity to repent and learn from their mistakes. The death penalty is meant to teach criminals a lesson, but it generally does not make the crime rate go down according to statistics. The best example is the movie Dead Man Walking. It makes sense that the Delacroixs and Percys wanted to see Matthew Poncelet die because of what he did to their children. At the same time, that doesn’t make it morally right to kill him...
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...Should the death penalty be mandatory for people that kill other people PANNASASTRA UNIVERSITY OF CAMBODIA Commitment to excellence Commitment to excellence PROFESSIONAL WRITING HOMEWORK ESSAY Topic Should the Death Penalty Be Mandatory For People That Kill Other People? Submitted to Professor LY Meng Written By NHEN Socheath May 30, 2014 Brainstorming Process Should the death penalty be mandatory for people that kill other people? Proponents Opponent * Guarantee justice for the victims - A life in prison is enough * Decrease Crime Rates - Crime remains the same * An eye for an eye is the solution - give a second chance to change * Killing a murderer is fair - Killing is always wrong * Killing is not cruel - Killing is cruel * Practices sometime go wrong - Risk of taking innocent life * It is morally right and fair - Against religious ethics Proponents Opponent * Guarantee justice for the victims - A life in prison is enough * Decrease Crime Rates - Crime remains the same * An eye for an eye is the solution - give a second chance to change * Killing a murderer is fair - Killing is always wrong * Killing is not cruel - Killing is cruel * Practices sometime go wrong - Risk of taking innocent life * It is morally right and fair - Against religious ethics OUTLINING I. Introduction Thesis Statement: I personally do not agree that death penalty can...
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...The Death Penalty The death penalty has been the cause of much debate for hundreds of years. Taking the life of a person for committing terrible crimes, specifically murder, puts doubt into the minds of many. Some may ask: Why would we kill people to show that killing is wrong? Well, there are a few specific reasons that can clearly show why the death penalty is a necessary punishment. Overall, capital punishment is morally justified, protects society from dangerous people, and is an effective deterrent to crime. Some would argue that the death penalty is not morally justified. I do not believe that this is a strong argument in many cases. Morality is defined as the distinction between right and wrong or good and bad behavior. Normally, people are praised for good behavior, and punished for bad behavior. Punishments, specifically by the law, can be anything from a fine, to time in prison, and even death in some cases. Opponents of capital punishment say that it is completely wrong to kill someone as a punishment for murder. If it is for the protection of innocent lives though, then why is there such opposition against it? Casey Carmical, a professional translator who writes about current social and political issues, said, “Executing murderers, however, prevents them from committing their crime again, and thus protects innocent victims. The good, therefore, outweighs the bad, and the executioner is morally justified in taking the murderers life.” This statement is very true...
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...Schmicker 11/1/2011 “This man took a life. He took a lot of things. My mom was a lot of things to a lot of people. He took her away from a lot of people and left a big hole in a lot of people’s lives as well as deprived her of the pleasure of living.” These words come from the daughter of the victim, Rebecca Patton, who was shot execution style seven times because of a botched ransom attempt. How many times do you think Rebecca Patton pleaded for her life before she was shot and killed by her murderer? Should the court exercise mercy on the defendant because he now “understands” what he has done and regrets his decisions? Should the convicted killer be given the opportunity to live his life behind bars with the ability to visit with family, make friends, play sports, and/or educate himself even though he intentionally took those very things away from another individual? In an effort to explain why the death penalty is justifiable and civil I will be providing the pro arguments to the death penalty based on its justifiableness and morality. I will also examine the death penalty as a civilized punishment for mankind and why it is appropriate to exercise. The case that I noted above took place in the state of Texas and the verdict of the case was to execute Lesley Gosch, the defendant, for the crimes he committed. The execution of this criminal seems both justifiable and civil in this case due to its uniqueness. The victim in the case became part of a ransom plot that included threatening...
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...The debate on whether the death penalty is acceptable will never be resolved. That is unless the government decides to abolish it. I do not nor will I ever agree with the death penalty. It does not matter what the person has done. Nobody has the right to take anyone’s life. Although these people have done horrible crimes the death penalty can never be justified. The death penalty is inflicted on those who have committed capital crimes. Those crimes being espionage, treason, murder, and aircraft hijacking resulting in death. Furthermore, kidnapping, genocide, and drug drive by’s all resulting in murder. The death penalty is legal in 31 U.S. states. While it is only illegal in 19 of the 50 states. Making over half of the United States murders. Explicitly, the ways of execution on the death penalty are the most some of the most lethal. There are five ways used in the U.S. , lethal injection, electrocution, gas chamber, firing squad, and hanging. All five of these processes are disgusting to me. When considering the death penalty it is important to look at it from all...
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...Abstract Capital punishment had caused a divide in our society; those who believe it is unethical and morally wrong for the government to take one’s life and those who believe capital punishment is right and is needed to the deterrence of crime. This is a very controversial issue and brings up many different points of views from many different people. Some argue that murderers should be executed and pay for the crimes they’ve committed while others believe life imprisonment is suffice. The Catholic Church condemns this type of punishment but those who have been victimized are crying for justice. Another argument is that the methods used for capital punishment is against the Eight Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. My intentions for this paper are to present and analyze both sides of the argument. Is the death penalty immoral or is it immoral not to impose it? Introduction Capital punishment, also known as the death, has been one of the most controversial issue currently still under fire about its morality. Many believe it is both unethical and morally wrong for the government to take one’s life while others believe capital punishment is right and is needed to the deterrence of crime. This is a very controversial issue and brings up many different points of views from many different people. Some argue that murderers should be executed and pay for the crimes they’ve committed while others believe life imprisonment is suffice. The Catholic Church condemns this...
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...The Death Penalty Lucious Davis PHI200: Mind and Machine Instructor: Michelle Loudermilk October 10, 2011 The United States is still one of the countries that still use the death penalty as punishment for crimes. While some see it as barbaric and totally against American values, others view it as an important deterrent to violent crimes- such as murder. Regardless of which side you are on, one thing is for sure- the debate isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. Capital punishment, another name for the death penalty, has been present in the United States since 1608. This is the process by which a person a person is tried and put to death for crimes they have committed. The list of crimes that are punishable by death vary from state to state (the U.S. government and the U.S. military have their own criteria), as well as the methods used for execution. Lethal injection is the standard for execution, but there are several other methods used, including: electrocution, hanging, and death by firing squad. Although every state does not employ the death penalty- a vast majority do. Along with the District of Columbia and the U.S. government, 36 states currently have the power to execute inmates. Through the centuries there has been endless debate about the morality, legality, and constitutionality of capital punishment. For many (and for my paper’s sake) the debate is whether or not the death penalty is ethical. Specifically, is it ethical to put someone to death for...
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...What types of crimes should be eligible for the death penalty? Have you ever made a mistake? Have you ever afraid to go to the police? There is no one make a mistake in the world. However every country has law so don’t afraid to go to the police when you make a mistake. Law designed for protect you from bad things. Every country has law related with their culture lifestyle and development. There are in the world around six billion people. Everyone is different from each other. Some of them has good attitude but some of them has bad attitude. In my case those who has a bad attitude depends on their environment and bibulosity etc., maybe some people bored because of their happy life. So they made a crime. Have you ever heard about “Death Penalty”? If so then what do you think about it? Capital punishment, the death penalty, death sentence, or execution is a legal process whereby a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime. Crimes that can result in a death penalty are known as capital crimes or capital offences. At this time, there are many countries use the Death penalty for example Belarus, China (PRC), Cuba, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Japan, Malaysia, Mongolia, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, (ROC) ,Tonga, United States and Vietnam. There are many methods in capital punishment Decapitation, Electrocution ,Gas chamber, Hanging, Lethal injection, Shooting (firing squad), Stoning and Nitrogen asphyxiation (proposed)...
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...Assignment #7 Death Penalty Valerie Miller A. Reading: Chapter 5 B. Answer the following questions, 1 pt each unless otherwise noted: 1. In the U.S., is it legally permissible to execute juvenile and developmentally disabled offenders? Do you believe this should this be changed? Explain why or why not. (2 pts) Currently it is not permissible to execute juvenile and developmentally disabled offenders. As it was found in two court rulings to violate the Eighth Amendment. I do not feel that this should be changed because I feel that the death penalty overall should be abolished. 2. In this chapter, the arguments opposing and in favor of incapacitation, retributive justice, human dignity, and human rights are presented. Discuss which argument(s) you support and why. Which argument(s) do you least support and why? (2 pts) I am in agreement with the human dignity argument that the death penalty lowers us to the level of the criminal. I am in strongest disagreement with Retributive Justice. How can we carry out an “equality of crime and punishment”? As Bentham says, how can one act of violence cancel out the other? And it’s unrealistic to say equality of crime and punishment, because we aren’t going to rape a rapist or burn down the house of an arsonist. 3. Why is there a concern about who receives the death penalty? AND How does Van den Haag respond? (2 pts) Because of the number of innocent people that are executed, and because the death penalty also removes...
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...Arguments and reasons to be against the death penalty Argument two: The death penalty is morally wrong by having the death penalty we are effectively sinking to the same level as those we are trying to punish. While people disagree on ethics and moral codes most people agree that killing is fundamentally wrong. Even if killing people would have better consequences it still morally the wrong thing to do. Mercy is objectively a good thing and retribution isn't. This doesn't mean that we should let violent criminals on the streets but means that we needn't sink to there level and kill them just like they killed the victims. Argument three: Violence begets more violence One of the best arguments for the death penalty is that if we really want to promote a nonviolent society our legal system needs to set the example. If we want people to be less violent than we need our judicial system to be nonviolent. If we as a society are saying killing people is an acceptable method of dealing with a problem than other people will interpret that as a green light to use killing to fix their problems. The only real way to stop violence is to promote the sanctity of life and send a clear message to society that killing isn't okay under any circumstances and it's impossible to do that while the state itself is killing people. Argument four: The death penalty carries with it the risk of executing innocent men Over the years several people have been killed by the state for crimes they did...
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...could ensue death for themselves? Is someone else’s pain and misery worth your life? Would you want to know when your time was up? The death penalty should be illegal considering it is an act of murder, it is inhumane, and that person can be used for other, useful things within jail. Hundreds of thousands of people die each day. Planned or not, it happens. Murder, suicide, diseases, car accidents, or maybe even the death penalty. The death penalty costs tremendous amounts of money and resources, and it doesn’t seem to decrease criminal activity. If you think about it, how many people have been killed as a result of the death penalty? And still, how many people are committing crimes? It doesn’t scare people. Ballaro and Cushman say “Where the death penalty is allowed, it is often used in a racist manner”. As harsh as it sounds, what good is a dead body? There are many of jobs nobody wants. Pressing license plates, military can always use more help, truck driver, etc. Nobody wants these jobs, they want the money and/ or benefits that come with the jobs. If someone has committed a crime, they definatly do not deserve to have a high paying job but if nobody is wanting to take them they could occupy the jobs and be paid minimum ways or even nothing depending on how bad the crime was. Many people have been murdered as a result of the death penalty. That person may have been killed for killing someone else. How is this fair? It is murder. Murder is illegal, why should it be legal...
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...known as the death penalty has become an increasingly controversial issue over many decades. Capital punishment is the pre-meditated and planned taking of a human life by a government in response to a crime committed by that legally convicted person. Capital punishment should be legalized in all states, because it is morally just and it will deter crime. The many opponents of capital punishment who are against it feel that the death penalty is not a deterrent and that it is a thing of the past. It has no place in a civilized society today. One of the biggest arguments against capital punishment is people feel that it violates the eighth amendment which forbids cruel and unusual punishment. People against Capital Punishment believe the death penalty is absurd and is in un-Christian practice. Further more, they feel society should not" encourage sentiments of revenge or cater to morbid interest in ritual execution." Criminologists also built a strong case that the threat of death failed to deter murder, anymore effectively than prison. Therefore, to inflict harm to one, it is simply useless. However, the punishment fits the crime therefore, it is morally just. Capital punishment is an expression of society's moral outrage at offensive conduct. This may be appealing to many but it is essential in an ordered society. It asks our citizens to rely on legal procedures rather than to self-help their wrongs doings. It is morally right to sentence a person to the death penalty who has committed...
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...Punishment and Crime Deterred Should capital punishment be used in a justice system to deter the level of serious crimes in a society? There have been arguments that capital punishment is the best way to deter crime and arguments that say it is not all over the world. The justice system is in place to keep societies functioning proper, and punish those who hurt that goal, capital punishment is one of the ways that have been aiding in the success. If capital punishment does act as a deterrent for crime, shouldn’t a society use it as a tool for the justice system? However, if capital punishment does not act as a deterrent for crime, then should it be scrapped by the justice system and emphasis be placed on looking for a new way to deter crime? This is more than just a crime deterrent issue because it involves taking a life to save a life. This is an ethical issue of whether capital punishment is the best way to solve the problem, and this has been argued by millions of people all over the world for decades and it is still a highly debated topic to this day. Capital Punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the practice of sentencing a person to execution as punishment for a capital crime after a proper legal trail. It is typically only used as a form of punishment for people who commit serious types of murder. It may not be known, because many countries never actually use it, but there are 58 countries that currently have a form of the death penalty (Unknown, 2010). Capital punishment...
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