Argumentative essay about death penalty

The death penalty has been a controversial issue in the United States for decades. It is an issue that has divided the nation, causing heated debates between those who support the death penalty and those who oppose it. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it is justifiable retribution for those who commit heinous crimes and that it serves as a deterrent to would-be criminals. On the other hand, opponents of the death penalty argue that it is cruel and inhumane and that it fails to address the underlying causes of serious crimes.

This argumentative essay will discuss both sides of the debate surrounding the death penalty and will demonstrate why it should be abolished. First, it is important to consider the morality of the death penalty. Opponents argue that taking a life is wrong and that execution does not have a place in a civilized society. Furthermore, they point out that innocent people may be wrongly convicted and given the death penalty, which would be a gross miscarriage of justice. Additionally, according to Amnesty International, executing someone does not deter criminal behavior, as evidenced by countries that have abolished the death penalty but still have lower crime rates than those that carry out executions.

Moreover, those who oppose the death penalty often cite the cost of maintaining the legal apparatus necessary for its implementation. The death penalty requires complex judicial procedures and expensive appeals processes, making it significantly more costly than life imprisonment. In addition, supporters of abolishing the death penalty point out that it disproportionately affects minority communities and those with lower socio-economic statuses due to biased jury selection and access to quality legal counsel.

Overall, there are compelling reasons why the death penalty should be abolished in the United States. It violates basic human rights by taking away an individuals right to life, has not been proven to deter crime, and is more costly than life imprisonment. Additionally, its application is arbitrary and disproportionately affects minority communities. For these reasons, this essay argues that the death penalty should be abolished in the United States.