Death_Penalty

Controversy of Death Crime is a major blight on society and many methods of are used to try and deter it. Most crimes are minor, such as shoplifting or drug usage, and each have different means of punishment. Murder though is a more serious crime and must be treated as such. Most people agree that murder is wrong and that some form of punishment must be issued, the death penalty being the most extreme and controversial device used. For instance, those who support the death penalty might use tenements of law, science and religion to lay the foundation of their belief or beliefs. They may say today’s laws are more concise and must be followed exactly, no matter what. Because of this, it could be said that it is actually quite difficult to exercise the option of the death penalty as a form of punishment. On the other hand, they could possibly explain that modern science helps ensure that a murderer is justly convicted. DNA testing is one example of modern science that is widely used and championed, because it can and does help prevent innocent people from potentially becoming wrongly convicted. Strangely enough, even religion is even used to help vie support for their cause. Many can quote scripture to state that the death penalty is justified. They might even quote, Deuteronomy 17:05: “Then you shall bring out to your gates that man or woman who has done this evil thing, and you shall stone that man or woman to death with stones.” No matter which camp one may reside in, no matter the convictions, it can be rest assured, the reasons for supporting the death penalty are not only valid, but strong and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future. Those who oppose the death penalty can use the same tenements as those that support it, but they will have completely different reasons that might justify their belief. They might say that the law actually prevents this extreme means of punishment from actually existing. Possibly a quote from the 8th Amendment: "Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishment inflicted.", would suffice as their cause for argument. While science does help, many might and will insist that it is not a hundred percent accurate. It should be expected and understood that the mishandling of evidence and improper testing methods has happened before and most likely will happen again. Lastly, religion is widely used to give reason in explaining why they are against the death penalty. They can, just like those that support it, quote scripture that supports their cause, such as, Exodus 20:17: “You shall not murder.” No matter the reasoning, it can be safely assumed that many people will continue to oppose the death penalty as long as it is applied. Then again you may have people who are indifferent about the use of the death penalty. They too might feel that murder is wrong and as long as they are not directly affected, they should not get involved. But what if one finds out they must serve as a juror on a death penalty case' Such was my experience a few years ago. I was aware even then of the controversy but had never put much thought in it. I have, since then, become keenly aware of both sides of the argument, aware that both sides can be right in belief and yet wrong in fact. For instance the trial I was involved with, had to try the case with the caveat of death penalty being a required option of punishment, because of the three strike law. This could have been one possible reason for one to say that the law is not clear in its use of applying a death warrant. Furthermore I realized that the controversy over the death penalty is healthy, as it gets people involved in debate. Despite my indifference, it is nice to know that the state does not treat such cases lightly. And neither do the people. Crime unfortunately, will always be a part of society as it always has been. Whether one is for or against the use the death penalty as a device of deterrence, is a deeply personal thing. The use of law, science and religion as the dominant means of argument is prevalent in both camps and each can show valid and strong support for both sides of the controversy of the death penalty. No matter the difference, it can be agreed murder is a serious crime and must be dealt with appropriately.