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The Death Penalty, 2006.
An analysis of the death penalty: it's history, the pros and cons of using the death penalty and possible alternatives.
2,073 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
The paper investigates the issues surrounding the death penalty, or capital punishment. The writer examines the history of the death penalty and current developments in its execution. The paper explores the pros and cons of using capital punishment; available alternatives; different points of views from different sectors in society; and the common issues involved. The paper concludes that although the death penalty may be warranted in certain cases, one must be prepared for the possibility of a wrongful conviction.
Table of Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
A. History of Death Penalty
B. The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
C. Death Penalty Alternatives
D. Cost
E. 4 Issues of the Death Penalty
1. Deterrence
2. Arbitrariness.
3. Retribution
4. Wrongful Convictions
III. Conclusion
From the Paper
"On the other side, it can't always be expected that just because two crimes from different states appear to be the same, the criminals will be punished similarly. The US court found it unconstitutional to mandate death penalty to all who are guilty of 1st degree murder. Hence, each member of the judicial system is entitled to his or her own judgment on a case-to-case basis. Though there may be some people who get away from being punished with death penalty, it does not follow that everyone should then be spared."
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The Death Penalty, 2004.
This paper discusses issues around the death penalty and concludes that there is little suggestion that the debate surrounding the death penalty will ever be resolved.
2,815 words (approx. 11.3 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 90.95
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Abstract
The paper states that the difficulty with the debate over the death penalty often adds up to one in which people are arguing about a certain approach to an abstract ethical system and the experiential reality of those involved in and connected to a death-penalty case, which makes the entire issue suffused with an even more impressive and murky layer of complexity than if it were merely an issue of conflicting theories of jurisprudence. The paper points out that, in all of the issues surrounding the death penalty, it is strange how often the issue focuses on the rights of the killer and how infrequently the feelings and thoughts of the victim's family are considered in any real depth. The paper concludes that the United States has come to hold an increasingly unique stance in relation to the death penalty, as it is one of the few countries that practices capital punishment and, certainly, the one that practices it with the greatest frequency.
From the Paper
"Indeed, some critics claim that they the argument that families witnessing the execution of death penalty subjects is in fact not beneficial in the least, and that, rather than helping to deal with the stress, it is just as likely to cause damaging psychological effects that may create long-term problems, such as post-traumatic stress disorder. Indeed, one critic of this process conducted a study of 21 journalists who were allowed to witness a public execution in 1994 and discovered that it had severely damaging results on their psyches."
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Death Penalty, 2006.
An argument against the death penalty.
2,304 words (approx. 9.2 pages), 12 sources, MLA, AU$ 77.95
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Abstract
This paper scrutinizes the issue of the death penalty, highlighting grave disparities behind this form of capital punishment. The paper provides arguments against the death penalty that are based on ten main points, all focusing on the need for abolishment of the capital punishment. The paper discusses each of these arguments.
Outline:
There is no Moral and Ethical Justification for Death Penalty
Crime is not the Sole Responsibility of an Individual
System of Sentencing to Death is Unnatural
Death Penalty is not a Deterrent
Death Penalty is Racially Biased
Death Penalty is against Basic Human Rights
Law is not Perfect - Innocents are being Executed
Reducing Public Support for Death Penalty
Is Death Penalty Constitutional?
Death Penalty Impacts on Diplomatic Relations amongst Countries
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Crime has remained an integral part of our society since its inception and will continue to plague it for times to come. Humans are aggressive and violent by nature, and our society is inhabited with such people who are capable of committing heinous acts of violence against their own kind. Despite deliberate efforts of law enforcers, the crime is getting more sophisticated and adopting wider scope. In order to harness the violent nature of mankind, societies evolved rules and regulations commonly known as the laws. Any person found violating these laws is subjected to punishment which not only curtails the criminal's freedom but also serves as a deterrent for others.
The Criminal Law is the body of statutory and common law that deals with crime and the legal punishment of criminal offenses. The criminal law is based on four theories of criminal justice: punishment, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation. The purpose of criminal law is to retain a peaceful social order (Melchior, pars. 1-3). To fulfill this purpose, a suspect found guilty of an offence is awarded punishment ranging from few months imprisonment to life term. The law also incorporates death penalty to criminals, which over the period of time has been abolished in many countries but is still persisting in United States. It is in fact, one of the most debatable issue in criminal law. There are strong proponents of the death penalty but its efficacy and legitimacy remains a constant irritant. "
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
This paper presents the pros and cons of the death penalty.
2,070 words (approx. 8.3 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 70.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the controversial issue of the death penalty. The author presents the pros and cons of this topic in a list format and also gives a history of capital punishment. Also discussed are alternatives to the death penalty and how differing segments of society view this issue. The paper also considers the financial implications of the death penalty, especially as it relates to the court system. The paper concludes by stating that an opinion on this issue must be based on research.
Outline:
Introduction
Capital Punishment: Death Penalty
History of Death Penalty
The Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Death Penalty Alternatives
Cost
4 Issues of the Death Penalty
Deterrence
Arbitrariness
Retribution
Wrongful Convictions
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Death Penalty, also referred to as capital punishment, is the lawful execution of a prisoner as a punishment for serious crime, often called capital offense. Being one of the controversial topics in the United States and all over the world, I decided to have my interests focused on doing a research about this topic. "
"As you read along, you might encounter topics that you will find critical. Bear in mind that I am doing this research not to influence your thoughts on this sensitive issue. Each one is still entitled to his opinion in the end. What I would like is to help my readers broaden their knowledge on death penalty by understanding its history and developments. And explore further by presenting the pros and cons behind it, available alternatives, different points of views of the different sectors in the society and the common issues tackled."
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The Death Penalty, 2002.
This paper discusses that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent.
2,265 words (approx. 9.1 pages), 4 sources, AU$ 76.95
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Abstract
This paper presents many arguments in opposition to the death penalty as a deterrent. The author asks if in fact the death penalty does serve as a deterrent, why do the many Western countries that have abolished the death penalty have lower murder rates than jurisdictions in the United States that still considers it a viable punishment. The author believes that while the death penalty may serve as a retribution, there is little sociological evidence to support that someone is deterred more by the prospect of being executed than the prospect of a life sentence without possibility of parole.
Table of Contents
Effectiveness of the Death Penalty as a Deterrent to Criminal Homicide
Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Cost of Life Sentence without Parole vs. the Death Penalty
Recidivism
States That Impose the Death Penalty and Form of Execution
Retribution, the Family and Society
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent depends on the degree to which the average criminal actually weighs the consequences of his behavior prior to acting. Criminal homicide is loosely divided into categories based upon level of intention. To the extent that criminal homicide is unintentional or in the heat of passion, the criminal does not weigh consequences at all; and so the criminal would not be deterred by the death penalty. To the extent that criminal homicide is intentional or premeditated, a number of psychological mindsets are possible beforehand. The criminal might assume he will get away with it (and therefore, he does not need to worry about possible punishments). Or, the criminal might think he will get caught."
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Death Penalty for Juvenile Offenders, 2005.
This paper discusses the arguments for and against the juvenile death penalty.
1,470 words (approx. 5.9 pages), 4 sources, APA, AU$ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the U.S. Supreme Court decision "Roper v. Simmons" (2005) holds that the death penalty for juveniles is "cruel and unusual" and as such, the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution forbid the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed. The author points out that the advocates for juvenile death penalty argue that a murder committed by a 16 or 17 year old is as gruesome as that committed by an adult and that individuals exhibit different ranges of maturity thus some 17 year olds may be more "mature" than other 20 year olds. The paper states that, in opposition to the juvenile death penalty, psychologists and behavioral scientists have long known that adolescents do not yet have a brain ability to reason as adults do, are 'wired' to behave more irrationally than adults and are subjected to hormonal instability.
Table of Contents
Arguments for Juvenile Death Penalty
A Murder is a Murder
Case-to-Case Basis
Deterrence
No Consensus
Arguments against Juvenile Death Penalty
Brain Development
Raging Hormones
Adolescents are Similar to Mentally-Retarded People
Death Penalty is no Deterrent for Juvenile Offenders
No Death Penalty does not mean Complete Clemency for Offenders
Public Opinion
International Stance
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The alleged evidence quoted by anti-capital punishment advocates that death penalty is not a deterrent is inconclusive. The threat of being put to death as a result of committing murder has always proved to be a deterrent throughout human history. There is no reason to assume that such deterrence does not apply to juveniles. As an example, Christopher Simmons (of the Roper v. Simmons fame) was 17 at the time when he and a 15-year old broke into the home of the victim (Shirley Crook) in Missouri; they bound up the woman with electrical wire and pushed her into a river to die. While planning the burglary and murder, Simmons told his friends that even if he were caught, nothing would happen to him because he was a juvenile. If he had known that he would be facing the death penalty he would surely have not committed the crime."
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The Death Penalty, 2005.
This paper discusses the arguments in favor and against the death penalty, especially from the standpoint of the U.S. Constitution, including specific cases.
2,600 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 14 sources, APA, AU$ 84.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that opposition to the death penalty has focused (1)on the issue of the constitutionality by citing the Eighth Amendment's prohibitions against cruel and unusual punishment to prove their claims, (2) the death penalty is ineffective in reducing incidents of violent crime and (3) it is prohibitively expensive. The author points out that the death penalty proponents believe (1) the death penalty is constitutional because it is specifically mentioned in the Bill of Rights stating that the only constitutional prohibition against the death penalty is that it no person be deprived of life without due process of law (U.S. Const. Amend. V) and (2) the death penalty accomplishes legitimate goals, such as punishment and retribution, which cannot be accomplished by alternative sentences. The paper relates that the one thing that both sides agree upon is the fact that "death is different" (Woodson v. North Carolina, 428 U.S. 280 at 305 (1976)): There is no appeal from the death penalty.
From the Paper
"Death penalty proponents argue that those deficiencies have been remedied by recent Supreme Court decisions. In "Atkins v. Virginia", 536 U.S. 304 (2002), the U.S. Supreme Court determined that executing the mentally retarded is unconstitutional. However, opponents of the death penalty can point out the fact that many states have failed to comply with the Atkins decision. Even though there is evidence that many people currently on death row are mentally retarded, some states have failed to institute any way of determining whether or not inmates currently on death row are mentally retarded. The fact is that mild mental retardation may not be apparent to the casual observer, including trial judges."
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
A discussion on the application of the death penalty around the world.
1,519 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 54.95
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Abstract
This paper explains why the death penalty is a violation of fundamental human rights. It discusses some of the the international treaties against the death penalty. The author also explores its application against children, the mentally retarded and others in countries around the world including the United States.
Outline:
Why the Death Penalty is a Violation of Human Rights?
International Treaties Regarding the Death Penalty
Application of the Death Penalty against Children
Death Penalty for Mentally Retarded & Mentally Ill
Conclusion
References
From the Paper
"In the United States too, the U.S. Supreme Court by a majority decision on March 1, 2005 in Roper v. Simmons held that death penalty for juveniles was "cruel and unusual" and as such the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the US Constitution forbid the execution of offenders who were under the age of 18 when their crimes were committed. (Richey, 2005) The Supreme Court decision has effectively stopped child executions in the USA which had executed more child offenders (a total of 19) than any other country between 1990 and 2003. ("Facts and Figures on the Death Penalty," 2006) The Amnesty International reports that there were four executions of child offenders in 2004 - one in China and three in Iran--and eight child offenders were executed in 2005, all of them in Iran."
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Statistics on the Death Penalty, 2008.
A scientific review of four studies that analyze different aspects of the death penalty.
1,733 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 61.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the scientific and statistical validity of a series of studies that present statistical information on some aspect of the death penalty. It examines methods for excluding jurors in death penalty cases, connections between the death penalty and homicide rates, the link between religion, race and support for the death penalty and links between crime rate increases and the death penalty. The paper discusses the statistical strengths and weaknesses that affect the validity of the studies.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Neises & Dilehay: "Death Qualification and Conviction Proneness"
Baumer, Messner & Rosenfeld: "Explaining Spatial Variation in Support for Capital Punishment"
Young: "Religious Orientation, Race and Support for the Death Penalty"
Rankin: "Changing Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment"
From the Paper
"Despite that honesty, there are further issues that Rankin fails to point out. For instance, the data gathered by the NORC was gathered over a period of four years. While this might seem like a lengthy period, it may not be long enough to identify large-scale social trends of the kind that this study hopes to identify. Additionally, Rankin puts a significant emphasis on who respondents voted for in presidential elections as a means of gauging their political party, political views, and general lifestyle concerns. Unfortunately, this may not be the best indicator of any of those factors. These concerns limit the effectiveness of this research."
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The Death Penalty, 2007.
An overview of the history of the death penalty with a focus on its use in America.
2,414 words (approx. 9.7 pages), 11 sources, MLA, AU$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the international history of the death penalty and then takes a closer look at the use of the death penalty in the United States. The paper highlights the fact that in most countries, gender and age discrimination are not a factor with regards to the death penalty. The writer points out that there are juveniles on death row. The writer also looks at different religions and their opinion on the death penalty. The writer concludes that until the law changes, law enforcement and prosecutors should continue to advocate the death penalty in cases of murder and crimes involving children. The writer also believes that the death penalty is the only punishment that sends the message to criminals that murder and other acts of violence and crimes are absolutely unacceptable.
From the Paper
"There are crimes considered by our society to be so atrocious and intolerable such as murder or rape of a child that if convicted, that the only punishment suitable for committing these crimes is the Death Penalty. The Death Penalty, also called Capital Punishment, is the execution of a convicted criminal by the state as reprisal for crimes known as capital crimes or offenses. This type of punishment is set aside for crimes like premeditated murder, espionage and treason. From the primitive people to the modern world as it is today, the death penalty remains the largest and most controversial part of the criminal justice system. Supporters of capital punishment argue that it deters crimes, while opponents of capital punishment argue that it violates human rights. As we explore this much debated topic, we will discover the past, present and future of death penalty."
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The Death Penalty, 2002.
Examines the two main arguments on each side for and against the death penalty and the basis of these arguments.
1,370 words (approx. 5.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper presents the two main arguments in favor of the death penalty which are the theory of deterrence and the "eye-for-an-eye" premise. The paper also explains the view point of those who oppose the death penalty. It explains that they generally argue that the death penalty does not deter people from committing serious crimes such as murder, and that people will not stop committing serious crimes such as murder out of fear of the death penalty. Those who oppose the death penalty often argue that its vengeance is a pointless motivation for punishment because it brings no real feeling of solace to the families of victims.
From the Paper
"Whether the death penalty deters crime is a point on both sides of the death penalty debate. Those in favor of the death penalty argue that it deters crime, while those who are against it argue that it does not. From a utilitarian standpoint, deterrence is the most important element of the debate because there is no reason to have the death penalty if it has social benefit.
I do not believe it has any deterrent effect, and there is scant evidence to support that it does. More importantly, the death penalty has historically been applied in an uneven manner, with African-Americans and other minorities unfairly receiving the death penalty disproportionately."
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Death Penalty Argument, 2006.
Presents arguments against the use of the death penalty.
675 words (approx. 2.7 pages), 2 sources, AU$ 28.95
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Abstract
This paper argues against the death penalty, noting that the death penalty has been a part of American law for a long time, removed completely only for a period of time after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it was poorly conceived in the law in 1972, but many states rewrote their statutes and re-instituted the death penalty, often in response to public fears about violent crime. The death penalty is often raised as a solution during periods of high crime rates, though in fact evidence that the death penalty has any deterrent effect is at best mixed.
From the Paper
"The people are demanding the death penalty as if it were a quick solution to a complex problem, when in fact it is no solution at all but merely a case of public revenge and scapegoating. It is scapegoating because the death of one prisoner comes to stand in for all the street crime in the nation, as if his or her death would..."
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The Death Penalty, 2004.
An analysis of the effectiveness of the death penalty among industrialized nations.
1,790 words (approx. 7.2 pages), 10 sources, MLA, AU$ 62.95
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Abstract
This paper presents the history of the death penalty in the United States. The paper examines what types of crimes receive the death penalty and whether the death penalty is an effective deterrent. The paper discusses the international community's opinion about the death penalty. The paper also explores the option of an effective alternative to the death penalty that the U.S. can adapt.
From the Paper
"Usually only the most severe crimes are punished by death. However, the definition of severe crimes varies with the historical time, the culture of the country applying it, its economical situation etc. However, people often see this issue very differently, depending on their character. For instance, "The governor of Massachusetts has announced his intention to restore the death penalty. He has set up a commission to devise legislation that would guard against any possibility of executing an innocent defendant. He would recommend capital punishment for only three types of crime: those associated with terrorism; those involving the killing of police officers, prosecutors, judges, or trial witnesses; and "heinous" crimes, defined as multiple killings or murders done with extreme brutality." (The Fight to Kill)"
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The Death Penalty, 2005.
This paper argues in favor of the death penalty.
1,340 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, MLA, AU$ 49.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that, throughout American history, the death penalty has been voted in and out of favor depending on politics, societal attitudes and what horrific crimes recently made the news. The author points out that opponents of the death penalty cite that it is used after the crime has been committed, thus it can not act as a deterrent; however, this same argument can be applied to all types of criminals and sentences. The paper concludes that the death penalty is a fair and just punishment for the worst crime against society because (1) public majority, the Bible and the law all allow for the death penalty and (2) the death penalty works as a deterrent as indicated in the drop to an all-time low number of premeditated murders since its reinstatement more than two decades ago.
From the Paper
"There are several things that the convicted criminal has that the victim was not given. One of those things is the judicial process. The criminal who has been convicted of a crime horrific enough to receive the death penalty gets many chances at appealing the sentence before it is actually carried out. The appeals process can take years to complete which gives many opportunities to prove any wrongful conviction. In the years that it takes to file the appeals and go through that process the criminal has time to build sympathy and get groups working to stop the execution."
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Death Penalty, 2002.
A short paper on the use of the death penalty as a punishment for criminals in America.
883 words (approx. 3.5 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 34.95
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Abstract
This paper offers a short review of the death penalty in the United States. While offering statistics and a background of the use of the death penalty, the writer leans towards the belief that the death penalty is wrong and should be stopped. The writer believes that moral and religious people must ultimately consider whether the death penalty is just or not and conclude that the death penalty is not always applied in a just way.
From the Paper
"The death penalty has been debated in the United States for some years. The United States had more than 3600 prisoners on Death Row in 2001 Floyd, 2001), and since the death penalty can never be the automatic sentence for a crime in the United States, over 3600 juries had to individually determine that death was the appropriate sentence for every one of those prisoners. Nevertheless, those who study the issue cannot help but notice that very few countries still use the death penalty, and only three countries in addition to the United States executed any prisoners: China, Iran, and the Congo."
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Death Penalty, 2007.
An analysis of the ethical issues surrounding the administration of the death penalty in the United States.
5,401 words (approx. 21.6 pages), 23 sources, MLA, AU$ 143.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the debate on the death penalty as more than a moral issue of whether it is ever permissible to intentionally kill, but rather as an ethical debate on how the death penalty is administered in the United States. It suggests that issues surrounding the administration of the death penalty, make a compelling case for abolishing capital punishment as a sentencing option in the United States.
Table of Contents:
Does The Death Penalty Deter Crime - And Do Americans Really Support It?
Arguments On Behalf Of Victims' Families Ring Hollow
The Wrongly Accused: DNA And Other Exonerations
Racism And The Death Penalty
Executing The Mentally And Psychologically Incompetent
Ineffective Counsel
Methods Are Not As Painless As Some Argue
Conclusion
From the Paper
"When celebrities such as Robert Blake or O.J. Simpson are charged with murder, it is not uncommon for millions of dollars to be spent on their defense. While we may not expect such extremes when poor or middle-class people are charged with murder, we would expect that these defendants would at least have competent legal representation. Quite clearly, this is often not the case."
"For example, the state of Florida allocates only $3,500 for a person to defend themselves against murder charges when a private lawyer can not be afforded and a public defender is unavailable (Payne 2006). That is, in fact, much less than what one might expect to pay for a reliable used car, and yet it is all the money that is allocated for people trying to save themselves from execution. Further, the state also caps how much can be spent by the defense on appeal (no such cap exists for the prosecution), resulting in what State Supreme Court Justice Raoul Cantero has referred to as "some of the worst lawyering" he has ever witnessed (Payne 2006)."
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