Kristin Schmid

Jonathan O'Brien

Written Communication 26755

March 16, 2014

Capital Punishment

"An eye for an eye." That's what the bible says, at least. Is the death penalty okay, should it be made legal all across the United

States? What kind of punishment could be severe enough, if the fear of death can't be embedded in someones mind?

Have we established our justice system based on rehabilitation? In many ways someone may say, yes! Threatening someone with a

life ending punishment can make an individual think twice before committing a harsh or heinous crime. A child jumps off of the fourth

step, knowing he will be punished, but not worried because he may just receive a simple slap on the hand. Scenario two: A child

thinks about jumping off of the fourth step but knows if he does, he risks having his favorite toy taken away or may even be grounded

to his room. The child decides against being sassy because he doesn't want to lose his possessions or possibly even his freedom.

Capital punishment is the ultimate warning against all crimes. A criminal knows, this is the bitter end and the justice system will stop at

nothing to put him to death. If a criminal knows undoubtedly that he will be put to death should he murder with premeditation, he will be

mess inclined to commit murder.

The US had a 2012 murder rate of 4.8 victims per 100,000; meaning that nearly 15,000 people were victims of homicide that year.

With this fact being said, capital punishment isn't doing it's job. It's not changing every criminals mind about killing innocent people. If

capitol punishment can't dissuade , then it clearly has no purpose. The warning of life in prison isn't dissuading criminals either, this is

as equally horrible as being put to death but seems to bare no fear.

A system in place for the purpose of granting justice cannot do so for the surviving victims, unless the murderer