Death Penalty Argument

One of the most common, and controversial arguments in today’s society is the use of the death penalty as punishment. Capital punishment is considered paying the ultimate consequence for your actions. Some argue it is inhumane and too harsh of an action to take, while others applaud the justice system for implementing it for certain criminals. I strongly believe in the latter. Today, it is all too common to give out second chances, often to the undeserving. Murder is an unforgivable act, therefore, the death penalty should be administered to all those who commit heinous crimes. Capital punishment, more commonly referred to as the death penalty, “is the legally authorized killing of someone as a punishment for a crime.” (dictionary.reference.com) Supporters of capital punishment believe that life is sacred, but make a point that it is not only disrespectful, but would be a wrong doing to an innocent murder victim, to allow the murderer even the slightest chance of killing again. The death penalty is viewed by supporters as a necessary action in order to protect the innocent. When arguing against capital punishment, a common point is that it is an inhuman act, and that there is never any justification for cruel and unusual punishment, under any circumstance, when involving a human life. (Amnesty International) But, imagine you lost someone dear to you through a murder. What would you view as justice? The culprit sitting in a cell, with access to television, three meals a day, and even a gym? Or, the same cruel fate as the depicted upon your loved one? Sometimes it is hard to determine what crosses the line between wrong and right. While I normally would not condone murder, I do believe in some cases, there simply isn’t a better option. When a murderer decides to take another’s life, they have stolen every opportunity from them, and with no good reason. When instating capital punishment, you may be taking a life, but it is for the greater good of society and its