Capital Punishment

Capital Punishment, also known as the Death Penalty, is the execution of any person as a result of being convicted of a crime. As of 2008 there were 36 states that authorized the use of this lethal punishment, and 14 states that do not. It is one of the most highly controversial forms of punishment in The United States.

Crimes That Warrant Capital Punishment

This ultimate form of punishment is most often reserved for murder cases. Different states will consider the Death Penalty depending on the type of murder charge that is brought forth, but this penalty is usually only issued for First Degree and Capital Murder cases. A few states (Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Montana and Louisiana) also allow for Capital Punishment following the act of rape or sexual misconduct with a minor.

Other crimes that may lead the Death Penalty include aggravated kidnapping, drug trafficking and aircraft hijacking. Treason and espionage also warrant Capital Punishment in some states, and they are also considered to be Federal crimes, so the Death Penalty may be applicable on that level regardless of which state it occurs in. Federal law also allows for this punishment in any case that involves a plot to assassinate a police officer, or any witness or juror involved in a trial, whether or not the target was actually killed.

Objections to Capital Punishment

Most anytime the Death Penalty is given out, there are people who will protest and fight against it. Many people do not feel it is a just sentence and believe that no crime is worthy of being put to death. Those who believe Capital Punishment should be banned have various reasons as to why they feel this way.

Once a verdict of guilty has been provided by a jury, the judge who oversees the case has a large amount of discretion over the type of punishment that will be issued. Protesters of the Death Penalty argue that the issuance of this sentence is completely arbitrary. One belief is that since there are no clear cut guidelines as to what type of case may actually deserve Capital Punishment, any judge may call for it based on their own prejudices, especially in regards to race or gender.

Another argument points to the fact that people who are convicted of a crime are later found to be innocent. There have been 129 people who were released from Death Row since 1973, after it was proved that they were not guilty of the crime they were accused of. The evidence that proved their innocence was often not discovered until years after the initial sentencing, so those who bring use this point claim that it is possible for an innocent person to be put to death.

The argument that is perhaps most often used against Capital Punishment is simply that it is an inhumane and unjust form of punishment. Many people believe there is never a good reason to kill another human being. Any execution is very likely to draw protesters who will often keep late night vigils and sign petitions requesting the release of an inmate who is scheduled to be put to death.

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