The death penalty is one of the most hotly debated topics in todays society. On one side, proponents argue that the death penalty serves as a deterrent, while opponents argue that it is an archaic form of punishment that has long since been abolished in many countries. In this essay, I will explore both sides of the argument and explain why the death penalty should no longer be an accepted form of punishment.
First and foremost, I believe that the death penalty is an outdated form of punishment. It does not take into account the possible rehabilitation of a criminal or the reparation of a victims family. In certain cases, the death penalty may be seen as a justifiable form of retribution, but there is no evidence to suggest that it is an effective deterrent for future crime. Furthermore, there is a risk of executing innocent people due to flaws in the judicial system. This risk is too high for the death penalty to be considered a morally acceptable practice.
In addition, the death penalty is disproportionately applied to certain groups, such as people of color and the poor. This serves to highlight the systemic racism and classism that exists within our judicial system. Furthermore, studies have shown that capital punishment is more expensive than life imprisonment, which goes against the idea that it is an economically sound form of punishment.
Finally, many opponents of the death penalty argue that it is immoral to take away someones life, even if they have committed a heinous crime. This is a valid point and one that should be taken seriously when discussing the morality of capital punishment. All life is valuable and should not be taken lightly.
In conclusion, there are many compelling arguments against the death penalty. It is an outdated form of punishment that does not take into consideration rehabilitation or reparation for victims. It is disproportionately applied to certain groups and is more costly than life imprisonment. Finally, it can be seen as immoral to take away someones life even if they have committed a crime. For these reasons, I believe that the death penalty should no longer be an accepted form of punishment.