What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Death Penalty
The debate on the pros and cons of the death penalty has gone on for decades. There are some people who oppose the death penalty because they fell it is a system that is so flawed that it serves no purpose. For instance, those against the death penalty believe that this sentence has the potential for an error because it is possible that the wrong person can be executed. Unfortunately, there is no way for those who decide who is guilty to always be 100 percent accurate.
Another stance that those against the death penalty take is sometimes innocent people are coerced into pleading guilty. The case of George Stiney could possibly support this argument. George was a young African American boy, who was accused of killing two Caucasian sisters
who were outside playing one day. The trial, punishment and the decision to execute was handed out within a three month period. During the trial, George’s parents were allowed little to no interaction with him. It is reported that there was never any solid evidence presented and the few witness they had were not credible. Also, it has been recounted that George was interrogated so badly that finally he confessed. George’s execution took place in 1944, at 14 years of age (Smith 2014). After 70 years of his family fighting to proclaim his innocence, George was exonerated (Smith, 2014). The judge over the case stated that the reason for his exoneration was that he was not given a fair trial. Finally, some law officials sometimes feel pressured by the people of the community, and in a rushed judgement, they hand down the order to execute a person just because they are presumed guilty and they can silence those who are calling for immediate justice.
On the other hand, there are people who fully support the death penalty because they believe that it comes with advantages. Perhaps the strongest of their arguments being that they believe that executing a criminal can save the taxpayers money, because the citizens will not have to pay taxes for the continual housing, health care and meals of those incarcerated. Second, they believe that executing someone will stop crimes from happening. Lastly, these advocates believe that if the death penalty ceased to exist, the rate of crime will increase. Although, both groups argue from a good standpoint, a survey was conducted and it concluded with the fact that most people prefer life sentences in lieu of parole.
Another stance that those against the death penalty take is sometimes innocent people are coerced into pleading guilty. The case of George Stiney could possibly support this argument. George was a young African American boy, who was accused of killing two Caucasian sisters
who were outside playing one day. The trial, punishment and the decision to execute was handed out within a three month period. During the trial, George’s parents were allowed little to no interaction with him. It is reported that there was never any solid evidence presented and the few witness they had were not credible. Also, it has been recounted that George was interrogated so badly that finally he confessed. George’s execution took place in 1944, at 14 years of age (Smith 2014). After 70 years of his family fighting to proclaim his innocence, George was exonerated (Smith, 2014). The judge over the case stated that the reason for his exoneration was that he was not given a fair trial. Finally, some law officials sometimes feel pressured by the people of the community, and in a rushed judgement, they hand down the order to execute a person just because they are presumed guilty and they can silence those who are calling for immediate justice.
On the other hand, there are people who fully support the death penalty because they believe that it comes with advantages. Perhaps the strongest of their arguments being that they believe that executing a criminal can save the taxpayers money, because the citizens will not have to pay taxes for the continual housing, health care and meals of those incarcerated. Second, they believe that executing someone will stop crimes from happening. Lastly, these advocates believe that if the death penalty ceased to exist, the rate of crime will increase. Although, both groups argue from a good standpoint, a survey was conducted and it concluded with the fact that most people prefer life sentences in lieu of parole.