Capital Punishment is the lawful infliction of death as a punishment for a major crime. Execution methods are lethal injection (most common), electrocution, gas chamber, hanging, and firing squad. Capital Punishment is an increasingly controversial issue in the United States, with several arguments being forwarded for it as well as many arguments being leveled against it.
The first argument against Capital Punishment is that it is inhumane. It is like decreeing that rapists should be raped or arsonists should have their own homes burnt in punishment. Secondly, life imprisonment is a better alternative to Capital Punishment. Even in extreme cases, life in prison without parole is a better alternative to execution. Thirdly, there is a high possibility of miscarriage of justice. One cannot expect the law machinery to hit the right spot every time. Fourthly, it has no moral basis. Every person’s right to life is given by God and only He can take a life; the nation has got no right to interfere in God’s divine rules. Nearly every major religion including the Bible’s New Testament denounces it as an improper punishment. Fifthly, it mentally tortures the executed person’s family. They are made orphans or widows and their agony is prolonged by mandatory appeals and media coverage, often causing them serious trauma even many years later. Sixthly, it has no real deterrent effect. Criminals do not commit crimes if they believe they will be caught.
The first argument for Capital Punishment is that criminals are permanently terminated. The worst criminals are removed from society and prevented from committing any offenses either within the prison or after escaping or being released from prison. Secondly, it is just retribution based on the vengeance principle of “an eye for an eye”. A criminal has taken the life or lives of other human beings, and it is only just and proper that his life is taken away from him in retribution. Thirdly, it creates deterrence. Life imprisonment is a soft deterrent; for most hardened criminals, more is needed. Fourthly, the victim’s family feels vindicated, providing them solace for the huge suffering endured by them. Fifthly, there is no possibility of a mistake. The trials and appeals system in the U.S is so proper it is nearly impossible to convict those innocent. Also, DNA testing has now emerged as a strong tool to establish guilt or innocence beyond the shadow of a doubt. Sixthly, it is not arbitrarily applied to everyone; weaker sections of society such as juveniles and mentally retarded persons are exempted. Lastly, society, in general, is better served. Capital Punishment upholds the fundamental principle of justice, namely. ‘the punishment should fit the crime,’ making people believe that their society, their city, and their country are safe havens for themselves and their children.
In conclusion, the arguments for Capital Punishment outweigh the arguments against it. The superiority of pro-capital Punishment arguments is reflected in present public sentiment in the U.S., as evidenced by recent polls, which clearly favor Capital Punishment.