The Death Penalty Literature Review

Should we allow the death penalty? The Death penalty is one of those issues that raises so much anger, rage, resentment and hate as much as argumentation, contention, controversy, polemic, altercation and debate. Putting another person to death, no matter what the reasoning or cause is an absolute serious thing that cannot be taken casually. Is the Death Penalty fair, ethical, impartial or correct, useful, convenient as a way of punishing those who commit the worst crimes? Speaking or writing about the Death Penalty regardless of being in favor or against is very antagonistic, however it would very much help if the people participating in the debate knew about the issue or facts involved. Sadly, most people do not know either. Some of the more distressing and critical questions I found while I was researching for this essay were: Can it be carried out fairly? Can it be applied with no regards to conditions such us socio-economic level or racial profile? Can the authorities guaranty that NO innocent people would be executed? Can criminals have the chance to appeal all Death Penalty sentences? I found that some people believe that the death penalty is a necessary punishment, while others say otherwise. As I continued on with my research on the Death Penalty, I found that carrying out a death sentence could actually be more problematic than what most people think.

Some argue that a kidnapper, rapist or murderer who by definition has disregarded the life of his or her victims should be dealt the Death Sentence if proven guilty and rapidly put to Death so as to minimize the economic burden on society in general. I, however, believe that they fail to realize that there is a chance that an innocent person might be wrongly convicted, and that the Justice system should make absolutely sure that the person being tried is in fact the criminal. A problem I found out facing the penalty is the risk of executing the innocent. Ever since the death penalty has been reinstated back in 1978, at least 142 men and women have been released from death row after they were able to prove their innocence. In 2012, it was found that a man convicted of murder in 1994 was innocent due to the fact that there was very little evidence that linked him to the murder. He remained in custody until 2012. However, in the past two years, new evidence has indicated that four men may have been wrongfully executed. This is a very serious situation. We are dealing with someone’s life, and that is something that no one can take back.

 Another main thing I found out about the Death Penalty is just how much money taxpayers are spending on the punishment. In a recent study held in 2003 by a legislative audit in Kansas, it was found that a Death penalty case cost $1.26 million. The median cost for non Death penalty is $740,000. In California the Death penalty cost $137 million a year. With out the Death penalty, it would cost only $11.5 million. California has also spent $4 billion on the penalty since it was reinstated 1978. It is, in fact, less expensive for someone to be sentenced to life in prison. Life in prison without the possibility of parole is a better alternative, because it is not as expensive and also allows the wrongfully accused more time to prove their innocence. This also allows other mistakes to be corrected. Currently there are over 3,300 people who have had this alternate sentence.

History has shown that death penalty has been racially biased. The General Accounting Office made a report in 1990, concluding that, "in 82 percent of the studies [reviewed], race of the victim was found to influence the likelihood of being charged with capital murder or receiving the death penalty, i.e. those who murdered whites were more likely to be sentenced to death than those who murdered blacks." Even though the majority of homicide victims are black, 77% of death row defendants have been executed for killing white victims, since 1977.

Despite of my opposition of the Death penalty, I must shed some light to some counter arguments I have faced while doing this research. Some people say that it is better to let 100 criminals go than to convict one person, let alone execute that person. However, during my research I found out that people that express this point of view, have not had a terrible tragedy like a murder, kidnapping or rape happened to them or a family member. Up until this happen to somebody close to the family, it is only and statistic and one is able to rationalize why not to apply the Death Penalty, after it happens to a relative it becomes very real and, therefore, a very strong need for retribution is justified. Retribution is not to be confused with revenge. The purpose of retribution is punishment that is fair and just. There is no Justice system that is perfect. It does not exist. Mistakes are made in any process that involves humans. The Justice system in the United States establishes a very high standard for Death Penalty

This topic has shown me more reasons to oppose the death penalty rather than propose it. Though the thought of retribution sounds good for the people who have lost their loved ones, I must say that the death penalty causes more problems than solve it. Taxpayer’s money has been used to spend on the penalty, and billions of dollars have been spent since the Death penalty has been reinstated way back in 1978. There are also many risks on executing the innocent or the wrongfully convicted. Evidence has proven that many innocent people have been in custody and almost put on death row. Unfortunately, some of them have never been let go and have been executed despite being innocent. The death penalty is also racially biased. However, I cannot ignore the fact that I am, perhaps, a little biased myself. Perhaps, it is easier for me to oppose the death penalty, because I, fortunately, have never experienced the loss of a loved one in the hands of a murderer. I truly hope this never happens, but what if, perhaps, my opinion will change if a friend or a relative of mine becomes the victim of a murder, rape, or kidnap. Would my anger get the best of me and motivate me to change my views and propose the death penalty rather than oppose it? These are still questions that linger in my head. All I can say is that, as of right now, my views is to oppose the death penalty. I do not believe that any further research on this topic is necessary. I have shared enough facts and points in order to support my view. The reason this topic is so important is because it deals with people’s lives. The death penalty also affects all of us. Whether we are paying for it through our tax money, or whether we are seeking retribution for a lost loved one. Either way, I don’t see the death penalty as solving anything, but rather raising more problems.

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