What crime would warrant the death penalty? Is the death penalty considered humane? These are just a couple of questions that our society asks? In my opinion, the death penalty is necessary and for some criminals it acts as a deterrent. Capital punishment is needed especially for those individuals who commit the most serious crimes. For those who are against the death penalty, what suggestions do you have to punish those who commit serious crimes? Currently, there are five methods of capital punishment in the United States: hanging, firing squad, lethal gas, electrocution, and lethal injection. The criminals of Texas can be thankful that our state only falls under one of these methods -- lethal injection.
In comparison to the other methods of capital punishment, I feel that we are giving the criminals the lesser form of death. According to Texas statute (Penal Code 19.03) here are a few crimes that merit the death penalty: murder of a peace officer or fireman in the line of duty; an individual who commits a murder in the course of kidnapping, robbery, or aggravated sexual assault; and an individual who murders a child under the age of six http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/docs/PE/content/htm/pe.005.00.000019.00.htm. There are more crimes listed, but I just named a few. At the moment, we have 9 women and 362 men currently on death row. Presently, Texas has executed 405 inmates since 1982. For those who say that capital punishment is not a deterrent, maybe Texas should consideration additional methods of executions that would possibly turn criminals away from committing these serious crimes. Given the history of Texas and for you criminals, don’t commit the crime because we will not hesitate.
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2 comments:
In response to A Gee Statement: Death Penalty Right or Wrong?
After reading the political criticism over the death penalty in Texas; I would have to agree that most, if not all inmates on death row have committed the crimes they have been charged with. I also believe the punishment of lethal injection does seem fair for those who are guilty of murder. But, the question on my end is why Texas executes more inmates on death row every year than any other state? You ask what other alternatives the ones who reject the death penalty would like to see, and if the alternatives would in turn keep serious crimes down. Other states like New Jersey are working to completely abolish the death penalty and give life in prison with no parole. The crime rate in Jersey will not be expected to increase, and the number of capital punishments in their state at present time is extremely low. In my opinion, abolishment of capital punishment in Texas is not necessary, but we should use it with more caution and less often. I do not think the 405 executions since 1982 is really the influencing factor in the case of a murder. If some one has the mentality to kill I believe they will regardless of life in prison or possible execution.
Response to A Gee Statement, "Death Penalty--Right or Wrong?"
If there was any issue to have conflicted feelings about, then the death penalty would have to be it. Years ago I was against the death penalty. Human life is fragile and I didn't see much difference between an individual killing someone and a group of people (Under the guise of law) killing a person. Over the years, much of my idealism has been replaced with realism. The death penalty may be necessary. For punishment (an eye for an eye...), and for prevention of recidivism. I wonder if the threat of the death penalty though, is effective at all for deterring murder. How many people who kill really believe that they will be caught and convicted? During the heat of the moment, do they pause, and consider the legal ramifications before they resume or stop murdering?
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers or solutions to the ongoing debate on Capital punishment.
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