What are some reasons to support the death penalty?

Question

i dont support it. i just want to know why some people do

Answer 1

Here are some of the most common reasons I've seen, and the reasons I disagree:

1. It acts as a deterrent.  FALSE - Violent crime rates are actually higher in death penalty jurisdictions. This may seem counterintuitive, and there are many theories about why this is (Ted Bundy saw it as a challenge, so he chose Florida – the most active execution state at the time – to carry out his final murder spree). Personally, I think it has to do with the hypocrisy of taking a stand against murder…by killing people. The government becomes the bad parent who says, ‘do as I say, not as I do.’

2. It is cheaper than housing and feeding a criminal for the rest of his life.  FALSE - Because of higher pre-trial expenses, longer trials, jury sequestration, and extra expenses associated with prosecuting a DP case, it costs taxpayers MUCH more to execute prisoners than to imprison them for life.

3. Christian/Biblical arguments (like, "an eye for an eye") - IRRELEVANT (but still FALSE...okay, maybe this one's a tie) - Most Western governments are supposed to be secular, so religion-based arguments should not apply to government policy.  However, like most topics, you can find Biblical support for either side if you look hard enough.  For example, Matthew 5:38-39 insists that violence shall not beget violence. James 4:12 says that God is the only one who can take a life in the name of justice. Leviticus 19:18 warns against vengeance (which, really, is what the death penalty amounts to). In John 8:7, Jesus himself says, "let he who is without sin cast the first stone."

Finally, the most compelling reason to oppose capital punishment - more than any of the above - is this: Sometimes the legal system gets it wrong. In the last 30 years in the U.S. alone, over 100 people have been released from death row because they were exonerated by DNA evidence. Unfortunately, DNA evidence is not available in most cases. No matter how rare it is, the government should not risk executing one single innocent person.

Answer 2

I would add that when someone has killed someone you love, it's nice to see them get murdered. What's sad is when the victim's family asks for the murderer's life to be spared, and the state kills him anyway.

Answer 3

There is only one reason: It guarantees that the person will never commit another crime.  Every other stated reason has too many counterarguments to be considered definitive.

Answer 4

Frees up a prison bed. It's not cost effective though.

Answer 5

if someone is already doing life and arranges a murder you need something to threaten them with to get them to talk

I think the death penalty is overused but my reason above is enough for me to keep it legal

Answer 6

Ordinary people will always want vengeance against those who took the life of their family member. They want blood, not a life sentence. The pain of their loss may simmer down over time, but their anger at the perpetrator won't subside until they face justice.

Answer 7

Well think about it, If one of your loved ones was harmed in any way shape or form that was so bad it hurt you as well, you would want revenge in one way or another until that happens(not saying it would..)you may not support it, but if it was your son or daughter then your opinion and perspectives on it would surely change.

Answer 8

There are NO reasons to support it.  Current news:  Robert Mc Clendon of Columbus, Ohio was convicted of raping a 10 year-old girl 18 years ago.  He was just released because his DNA DID NOT MATCH evidence from the crime scene.  What if he had been executed!  It's a barbaric practice beneath the dignity and intelligence of a sophisticated society!  It should be outlawed, and more and more are agreeing that too many innocent people haver been incarcerated for crimes they didn't commit, thanks to the science of DNA.

Answer 9

An eye for an eye....we don't have the death penalty in canada, but I sometime wish we did. Why should we pay to keep him in prison,for the rest of his life, pay for his education, feed them 3 meals a day.

If my son killed someone and it was proven with DNA, wittness.

I would still agree with the death penalty.

Answer 10

The primary reason cited is that it deters violent crime by setting an example, though studies tend to contradict this assertion.

Answer 11

If the death penalty is actually cared out it is a crime deterant...look at Texas. If you kill someone you should forfeit your life, if you rape someone then someone should rape you, eye for an eye!