Graduation Speech: Shouldn T We Abolish The Death Penalty

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Should We or Shouldn't We Abolish the Death Penalty?

The 2014 Boston Marathon is approaching quickly. Last year's marathon, however,

unfortunately had a different ending. Two bombs exploded near the finish line only seconds

apart. The explosion claimed the lives of three; many others were injured that day, as well.

According to Matt Smith, a columnist, the people to blame were two brothers: Dzhokhar

Tsarnaev and Tamerlan Tsarnaev (par. 6). Dzhokahar has been rotting in prison since the event,

while Tamerlan was killed in police chase (Smith par. 5). Approaching the one year anniversary

of the bombing has caused mourning of the lost lives. This, of course, led Dzhokhar Tsarnaev to

be brought up in
With all the studies, there is

no proof that a person's race influences who is put on death row. Most people do not discriminate

Jankowski--! -- 7

those of African American decent. In today's society, all people are treated as equals and are

given the same opportunities. Therefore, supporters of capital punishment, justified by David B.

Muhlhausen, believe lack of racial issue is a major argument.

Both closure for family and lack of racial issue are important arguments, but the

deterrence theory is one of the main arguments from advocates of capital punishment. The

deterrence theory is commonly defined as the increase in punishment causing fewer individuals

from committing a crime. Many studies performed by scholars in law and economist prove the

theory exists. Adam Liptak, a columnist, quotes, "For each inmate put to death, the studies say, 3

to 18 murders are prevented" (par. 2). When executions rise, the crime rate will fall. Those who

oppose the death penalty still believe execution saves'ö lives. Comparing countries can also be

helpful in determining the deterrence theory. Several countries with higher executions have
Throughout the arguments, both early and recent research is provided, which helps

argue their points. All the authors have credibility as well. Most authors are knowledgeable and

have a background in law. One particular author testified against the Supreme Court about the

death penalty. Throughout each paper, there are plenty of logos that have reasoning. The

strengths of the capital punishment supporters are endless.

Today, there seems to be only two sides to an argument, however, most debates have

more than one side. Capital punishment has a third side, which concludes common points among

opponents and supporters of capital punishment. The third side focuses on the situation of the

crime. All characteristic have to be considered. Severity of the crime is one factor that needs

consideration. When the crime is premeditated and the victim is tortured until death then the

criminal should be placed on death row. Also, if countless amounts of people are dead or injured

and society still faces a threat then consideration is needed. However, a person who experienced

much trauma throughout their life causing the murder should not be considered for the death

penalty, commonly referred to as a crime of passion. When performing an execution,