Lit Review

Cecilia Williamson

Columbia Southern University

English Composition II

Nickalus Rubert

April 3, 2023

Life in Prison Vs. Death Penalty (The Topic)

People have debated the merits of life imprisonment versus the death penalty for decades. While opponents of the death penalty have argued that it is a cruel and unusual punishment and a violation of human rights, proponents have argued that it is a necessary means of ensuring justice and providing finality to victims and their families. The debate around the death penalty and life imprisonment has numerous facets, including the morality of the punishment, the financial costs, and the effectiveness of the punishment in deterring future crime (Thinley & Ziegler, 2020). The debate has been mainly split along ideological lines, with opponents pointing to the risk of wrongful convictions and the possibility of executing innocent people. At the same time, proponents argue that it is a necessary part of the justice system. Supporters also cite the need to send a strong message to would-be offenders and to provide closure to victims and their families. Despite the differing points of view, both sides of the debate have presented compelling arguments, making the topic worthy of further exploration. This debate is more relevant than ever in life.

The Controversy

The controversy surrounding the death penalty and life imprisonment revolves around the punishment's morality, financial expenditures, and deterrent effect. According to proponents of the death penalty, it is essential to provide victims and their families with justice and retribution. Norris and Mullinix (2019) state that proponents of the death penalty assert that it serves as a deterrent for potential offenders and can help reduce crime.

Opponents to the controversy

Death penalty opponents argue that it is an inhumane and unusual punishment that is not more deterrent than life imprisonment. In addition, they claim that the death penalty is applied disproportionately against minorities and the poor, and that innocent people are at risk of being executed.

Supporters to the controversy

Supporters of the death penalty contend that it is morally necessary to ensure justice and retribution. In contrast, opponents contend that taking a life is immoral and that there are preferable alternatives. Supporters of the death penalty claim that it is more economical to execute someone than to sentence them to life in prison. whereas, according to Jouet (2020), opponents contend that the cost of the death penalty is substantially higher than the cost of life imprisonment when legal fees and other costs associated with capital cases are considered. On the issue of the death penalty's effectiveness, supporters contend that it serves as a deterrent for potential criminals. In contrast, opponents contend that life imprisonment is a more effective deterrent than the death penalty.

It is evident from this controversy that both parties of the debate have compelling arguments. The death penalty is a crime deterrent because it emphasizes the need for justice and retribution, according to proponents. In addition, opponents argue that it is immoral, that there are superior alternatives, and that it is costly to implement. Furthermore, there is disagreement regarding the effectiveness of the death penalty in reducing crime. Those in favor of the death penalty argue that it is an effective deterrent against crime, while opponents argue that its deterrent effect has not yet been demonstrated.

Thesis Statement

While the death penalty is a controversial issue, it is necessary to ensure justice and retribution. It is more effective than life imprisonment in deterring crime.

References

Jouet, M. (2020, November 18). Death Penalty Abolitionism from the Enlightenment to Modernity. Papers.ssrn.com. https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3733016

Norris, R. J., & Mullinix, K. J. (2019). Framing innocence: an experimental test of the effects of wrongful convictions on public opinion. Journal of Experimental Criminology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11292-019-09360-7

Thinley, T., & Ziegler, A. (2020). Attitudes Toward Capital Punishment in America: An Analysis of Survey Data. https://www.methodist.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/crc9_paper_thinley.pdf