The Death Penalty - Dealing With Objections

Kelly1 In defense of the death penalty, argue against the following objections: (1) The death penalty is a basis of discrimination; (2) Sometimes innocent people are given the death penalty; and (3) Its effect as a deterrent is just about the same as life in prison. Which is the strongest objection, and which is the weakest? Explain why. The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is the ultimate punishment given by certain States for crimes such as murder. However, there has been much controversy and objections to the use of the death penalty, primarily because it is final in its outcome. In other words, once the death penalty is carried out, there is no way to reverse its effect. Presently about fifty-four countries worldwide retain and use this punishment. This number includes the USA and a number of countries in the Caribbean. Throughout history, various methods of the death penalty have been used and some forms of it, especially in ancient times, were quite barbaric. For example: dismemberment, disembowelment, burning, and crucifixion were some of the methods used. Most States today have moved towards the use of more acceptable methods of capital punishment, some of which are: lethal injection,