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Cruel or Unusual?
Cruel or Unusual? Capital punishment has been an issue in the United States justice system for many years. Some may argue that the death of one individual does not constitute the killing of another. People may also argue that Capital punishment is cruel and unusual, but the newer method of lethal injection is quick and painless. Death by lethal injection should be carried out in situations where the accused is charged with extreme crimes such as murder, rape, or child abuse. Crimes such as these are committed and the unfortunate victim has no way to defend themselves. They are powerless. Although capital punishment is one of the most extreme forms of justice, it is neither cruel, or unusual. Victims in these types of situations have no control over the outcome. The psychological damage that takes place in instances such as murder and rape is often enough to doom the victim’s to their own “death.” The death penalty should be readily enforced on those who commit these such actions because punishment is meant to deter crime, and the possibility of death may have an impact on those offenders. Capital punishment has been present in our society throughout the course of history. Whether it be hanging, or lethal injection, death has been the result for those individuals who choose to carry out violent, or life-ending crimes. In situations regarding these kinds of issues, death may be the only justifiable form of punishment. For example, when someone experiences the loss of a spouse, child, or family member due to a committed crime, they experience extreme pain that will never go away. However, does the death penalty enforce these situations, or worsen them by producing sorrow for individuals on the other side of the spectrum? Some may argue that the death penalty is too harsh of a punishment. In the article “Sentencing Debates,” by Kenneth Jost suggests that “several recent Supreme Court decisions in state cases have required that juries, not judges decide factual issues needed to raise or lower a defendant’s sentence.” This quote shows that the decision lies in the hands of the jury, and is therefore as fair as it can be. The sentence is not dependent on the decision of one person, instead it is the compilation of many. The United States orders the Death Penalty in order to protect the members of our society. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, the number of inmates on death row in the State of Oregon stands at 33 individuals (“Death Row USA”). Since 1976 however, only two executions have been carried- out. I believe this number should be higher because more than two people have committed acts of rape, murder, or child abuse in the past 34 years. Criminals who continue to endanger the community of United States should receive the proper justice of the death penalty, rather than a life sentence. Life is a gift, so allowing individuals to live after these acts of violence take place is unjustified. Each of these crimes deserves worthy infliction of the death penalty. Especially those who are repeat offenders. Since the death penalty is not always carried out on the first offense, I believe there should be a mandatory death penalty for those who carry-out murder, rape, or child abuse a second time. There should be a zero tolerance policy regarding this issue. When an individual decides to take another person’s life, they should not have the choice of whether or not to save theirs. “Treat others how you want to be treated.” Although this statement is simple, it presents the moral value of taking responsibility for one’s own actions. According to Cass Sunstein and Adrian Vermeule, “Capital Punishment is moral to prevent the taking of innocent lives”(1). In other words, the Death Penalty can be a preventative measure in carrying out justice. Those people opposing this belief argue that “Capital Punishment is morally impermissible.”(Vermeule) However, I believe that Capital Punishment is “morally obligatory in order to prevent the taking of innocent lives.” Sunstein and Vermeule also state that “leading studies suggest that each execution carried out prevents an average of 18 murders each year.” Therefore, capital punishment may have a legitimate deterrent effect. Decreasing the number of criminals, and the amount of crime that occurs is the main goal of the Death Penalty, so if there is evidence of deterrence then the mission is being accomplished. Serious crimes cannot be dismissed. Capital Punishment is the ultimate punishment, so people must take it into account before they decide to act. DNA testing is a vital component in determining the guilt of a defendant. One of the arguments against Capital Punishment is that innocent people have the possibility of being put to death. However, people are rarely wrongfully convicted in instances regarding the Death Penalty because there are scientific methods for extracting evidence. There is also DNA testing available for determining the relevance of that evidence. The word cruel should not serve as a defense in Capital Punishment cases because those facing “the chair” inflicted some degree of cruelty in order to be in their current position. Actions speak louder than words, therefore acts of rape, murder, and child abuse are speaking for themselves. The bottom line is that Capital Punishment is the only form of justifiable punishment for certain crimes. People are worried unknowingly, and they do not have the choice of whether or not to live. Instead, they are doomed to death due to the violent crimes that are inflicted upon them without notice. If the ultimate punishment is not even a vague possibility, then people will continue to engage in these harmful crimes. When there are no consequences, many will never the learn their lesson. Capital Punishment is meant to deter criminals from committing the same acts as those before them, and that it has done. The Death Penalty has remained at issue for years, and will continued to be re-examined as time progresses. Capital Punishment is extremely harsh justice, but there are many things one can do to avoid it. This may include refraining from criminal activity and learning from the actions of previous offenders. Murderers, rapists, and sex offenders are well deserving recipients of the Death Penalty. I believe Capital Punishment should remain at use as long as it stays effective. Extreme convicts should be punished according to the severity of the crime, and those who murder, rape, or abuse are well deserving of justice in its most extreme form; death.
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