introduction to capital punishment essay

Capital Punishment Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on capital punishment.

Every one of us is familiar with the term punishment. But Capital Punishment is something very few people understand. Capital punishment is a legal death penalty ordered by the court against the violation of criminal laws. In addition, the method of punishment varies from country to country. Where some countries hung the culprits until death and some shoot or give them a lethal injection.

Types of Capital Punishments

In this topic, we are going to discuss the various methods of punishment that are used in different countries. But, before that let’s talk about the capital punishments that people used in the past. Earlier, the capital punishments are more like torture rather than a death penalty. They used to strain and punish the body of the culprit to the extreme that he/she dies because of the pain and fear of torture.

Besides, modern methods are quicker and less painful than traditional methods.

• Electrocution – In this method, the criminal is tied to a chair and a high voltage current that can kill a man easily is passed through the body. In addition, it causes organ failure (especially heart).
• Tranquilization – This method gives the person a slow but painless death as the toxin injections are injected into his body that takes up to several hours for the criminal to die.
• Beheading – Generally, the Arab and Gulf countries use this method. Where they decide the death sentence by the crime of the person. Furthermore, in this method, they simply cut the person’s head apart from the body.
• Stoning – In this the criminal is beaten till death. Also, it is the most painful method of execution.
• Shooting – The criminal is either shoot in the head or in his/her chest in this method.
• Hanging – This method simply involves the hanging of culprit till death.

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Advantages and Disadvantages of Capital Punishments

Although many people think that it’s a violation of human rights and the Human Rights Commission strongly opposes capital punishment still many countries continue this practice.

The advantages of capital punishment are that they give people an idea of what the law is capable of doing and the criminal can never escape from the punishment no matter who he/she is.

In addition, anyone who is thinking about committing a crime will think twice before committing a crime. Furthermore, a criminal that is in prison for his crime cannot harm anyone of the outside world.

The disadvantages are that we do not give the person a second chance to change. Besides, many times the real criminal escape the trial and the innocent soul of the prosecution claimed to guilty by false claims. Also, many punishments are painful and make a mess of the body of the criminal.

To conclude, we can say that capital punishment is the harsh reality of our world. Also, on one hand, it decreases the crime rate and on the other violates many human rights.

Besides, all these types of punishment are not justifiable and the court and administrative bodies should try to find an alternative for it.

FAQs about Capital Punishment

Q.1 What is the difference between the death penalty and capital punishment?

A.1 For many people the term death penalty and capital punishment is the same thing but there is a minute difference between them. The implementation of the death penalty is not death but capital punishment itself means execution.

Q.2 Does capital punishment decrease the rate of crime?

A.2 There is no solid proof related to this but scientists think that reduces the chances of major crimes to a certain level.

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student opinion

Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished?

In its last six months, the United States government has put 13 prisoners to death. Do you think capital punishment should end?

By Nicole Daniels

Students in U.S. high schools can get free digital access to The New York Times until Sept. 1, 2021.

In July, the United States carried out its first federal execution in 17 years. Since then, the Trump administration has executed 13 inmates, more than three times as many as the federal government had in the previous six decades.

The death penalty has been abolished in 22 states and 106 countries, yet it is still legal at the federal level in the United States. Does your state or country allow the death penalty?

Do you believe governments should be allowed to execute people who have been convicted of crimes? Is it ever justified, such as for the most heinous crimes? Or are you universally opposed to capital punishment?

In “ ‘Expedited Spree of Executions’ Faced Little Supreme Court Scrutiny ,” Adam Liptak writes about the recent federal executions:

In 2015, a few months before he died, Justice Antonin Scalia said he w o uld not be surprised if the Supreme Court did away with the death penalty. These days, after President Trump’s appointment of three justices, liberal members of the court have lost all hope of abolishing capital punishment. In the face of an extraordinary run of federal executions over the past six months, they have been left to wonder whether the court is prepared to play any role in capital cases beyond hastening executions. Until July, there had been no federal executions in 17 years . Since then, the Trump administration has executed 13 inmates, more than three times as many as the federal government had put to death in the previous six decades.

The article goes on to explain that Justice Stephen G. Breyer issued a dissent on Friday as the Supreme Court cleared the way for the last execution of the Trump era, complaining that it had not sufficiently resolved legal questions that inmates had asked. The article continues:

If Justice Breyer sounded rueful, it was because he had just a few years ago held out hope that the court would reconsider the constitutionality of capital punishment. He had set out his arguments in a major dissent in 2015 , one that must have been on Justice Scalia’s mind when he made his comments a few months later. Justice Breyer wrote in that 46-page dissent that he considered it “highly likely that the death penalty violates the Eighth Amendment,” which bars cruel and unusual punishments. He said that death row exonerations were frequent, that death sentences were imposed arbitrarily and that the capital justice system was marred by racial discrimination. Justice Breyer added that there was little reason to think that the death penalty deterred crime and that long delays between sentences and executions might themselves violate the Eighth Amendment. Most of the country did not use the death penalty, he said, and the United States was an international outlier in embracing it. Justice Ginsburg, who died in September, had joined the dissent. The two other liberals — Justices Sotomayor and Elena Kagan — were undoubtedly sympathetic. And Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, who held the decisive vote in many closely divided cases until his retirement in 2018, had written the majority opinions in several 5-to-4 decisions that imposed limits on the death penalty, including ones barring the execution of juvenile offenders and people convicted of crimes other than murder .

In the July Opinion essay “ The Death Penalty Can Ensure ‘Justice Is Being Done,’ ” Jeffrey A. Rosen, then acting deputy attorney general, makes a legal case for capital punishment:

The death penalty is a difficult issue for many Americans on moral, religious and policy grounds. But as a legal issue, it is straightforward. The United States Constitution expressly contemplates “capital” crimes, and Congress has authorized the death penalty for serious federal offenses since President George Washington signed the Crimes Act of 1790. The American people have repeatedly ratified that decision, including through the Federal Death Penalty Act of 1994 signed by President Bill Clinton, the federal execution of Timothy McVeigh under President George W. Bush and the decision by President Barack Obama’s Justice Department to seek the death penalty against the Boston Marathon bomber and Dylann Roof.

Students, read the entire article , then tell us:

Do you support the use of capital punishment? Or do you think it should be abolished? Why?

Do you think the death penalty serves a necessary purpose, like deterring crime, providing relief for victims’ families or imparting justice? Or is capital punishment “cruel and unusual” and therefore prohibited by the Constitution? Is it morally wrong?

Are there alternatives to the death penalty that you think would be more appropriate? For example, is life in prison without the possibility of parole a sufficient sentence? Or is that still too harsh? What about restorative justice , an approach that “considers harm done and strives for agreement from all concerned — the victims, the offender and the community — on making amends”? What other ideas do you have?

Vast racial disparities in the administration of the death penalty have been found. For example, Black people are overrepresented on death row, and a recent study found that “defendants convicted of killing white victims were executed at a rate 17 times greater than those convicted of killing Black victims.” Does this information change or reinforce your opinion of capital punishment? How so?

The Federal Death Penalty Act prohibits the government from executing an inmate who is mentally disabled; however, in the recent executions of Corey Johnson , Alfred Bourgeois and Lisa Montgomery , their defense teams, families and others argued that they had intellectual disabilities. What role do you think disability or trauma history should play in how someone is punished, or rehabilitated, after committing a crime?

How concerned should we be about wrongfully convicted people being executed? The Innocence Project has proved the innocence of 18 people on death row who were exonerated by DNA testing. Do you have worries about the fair application of the death penalty, or about the possibility of the criminal justice system executing an innocent person?

About Student Opinion

• Find all of our Student Opinion questions in this column . • Have an idea for a Student Opinion question? Tell us about it . • Learn more about how to use our free daily writing prompts for remote learning .

Students 13 and older in the United States and the United Kingdom, and 16 and older elsewhere, are invited to comment. All comments are moderated by the Learning Network staff, but please keep in mind that once your comment is accepted, it will be made public.

Nicole Daniels joined The Learning Network as a staff editor in 2019 after working in museum education, curriculum writing and bilingual education. More about Nicole Daniels

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• Capital Punishment Essay

Essay on Capital Punishment

Capital Punishment is the execution of a person given by the state as a means of Justice for a crime that he has committed. It is a legal course of action taken by the state whereby a person is put to death as a punishment for a crime. There are various methods of capital punishment in order to execute a criminal such as lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, etc. Based on moral and humanitarian grounds, capital punishment is subjected to many controversies not only at the national level but also at the global platform. One must understand the death sentence by itself.

Many records of various civilizations and primal tribal methods denote that the death penalty was a part of their justice system. The system of the prison was evolved to keep people in confinement for some time who have done wrong in their life and was harmful to society. The idea behind keeping the criminal in the prison was to give them a chance to change and reform themselves. The idea works well with people who have done minor offences like theft, robbery, etc. A complication arises when grievous offences like brutal and inhumane acts of rape, murder, mass killing, etc. are involved. So, the contentious part is the grimness of the crime, which is the deciding reason for execution. 

During the 20th century period, millions of people died in the wars between the nations or states. In this violent period, military organizations practised capital punishment as a way of maintaining discipline. The death penalty was employed for crimes in many religious beliefs and historically was practised widely with the support of religious hierarchies. Today, there is no religious faith attached to the morality of capital punishment. It has been left to the discretion of the judiciary system to award the punishment in special circumstances. 

Most people feel that punishment for crimes like murders, rapes, and mass killings should not be death but some reformative or preventive sentence. The death penalty cannot reform a criminal, since once dead he cannot be reformed. Some people hold the view that no one has the right to take away anyone’s life for any reason. One should not take the role of God in taking away anybody’s life. At the same time, a criminal has no right to take away anyone’s life for any reason at all. If a person could go to an extent of taking someone’s life, he too has no right to live in a civilized society. Both the arguments can be cited to support viewpoints that are poles apart. 

Mankind has coined a large number of methods of capital punishment:

hanging by the rope until a person breathes his last.

death by electric current.

the murderer faces a firing squad.

the offender is beheaded and executed.

the culprit is poisoned.

the offender is stoned to death.

he is burnt alive at the stake.

the criminal is made to drown.

the criminal is thrown before hungry beasts of prey.

death through crucifixion.

Guillotine.

the offender is thrown into a poisonous gas chamber.

Methods can be different but all of these methods have one thing common and that is capital punishment is barbaric in all forms. It is savage and vindictive. It is a relic of an uncivilized era. Many people say that the methods by which executions are carried out involve physical torture. Contrary to the popular belief that the death penalty deters all future crimes, various surveys have shown that the threat of the death penalty does not in any way reduce the occurrence of violent crimes. 

Capital Punishment in India

Capital punishment in India does not come with a single stoke. The practice of Capital punishment is not very common in India. In our country, the Court of Session awards a death sentence according to the gravity of the offence, and this verdict requires confirmation by the High Court. Then an appeal can be made to the Supreme Court of India. In some cases, an appeal to the Supreme Court lies as a matter of right, where the High Court has reversed the verdict of the Sessions Court either into acquittal or punishment or has enhanced the sentence to capital punishment. 

Lastly, if needed an appeal can be made to the president of India and the governors of states for mercy. The President is solely guided by the notes in the files by the Home Minister or the Secretariat. He is bound to pen down the reasons for mercy. It is exercised very judiciously. 

Contemplating over capital punishment has been ramping on for a countless number of years. It is true that the death sentence is not the solution to the increase in crimes but at the same time, capital punishment inflicts physiological fear in the minds of people. In many countries, the use of this punishment has helped to deter crimes and change the minds of future criminals against committing heinous crimes. Capital punishment should be given in the rare of the rarest cases after proper investigation of the criminal’s offence. 

FAQs on Capital Punishment Essay

Q1. What Do You Understand By Capital Punishment?

Ans. Capital Punishment is the execution of a person given by the state as a means of Justice for a crime that he has committed. It is a legal course of action taken by the state whereby a person is put to death as a punishment for a crime. There are quite a few methods of capital punishment to execute a criminal such as lethal injection, hanging, electrocution, gas chamber, etc.

Q2. Why Do Some People Argue Against Capital Punishment?

Ans. Some people argue against capital punishment because they hold the view that no one other than God has the right to take anyone’s life. They argue that criminals should get a chance to change or reform themselves into good and responsible human beings. If they are executed, then they cannot be reformed.

Q3. What are Some Methods that Mankind has Coined for Capital Punishment?

Ans. Mankind has coined various methods of capital punishment:

the criminal is burnt alive at the stake.

the offender is thrown before hungry beasts of prey.

Q4. Does Capital Punishment Deter the Rate of Crimes?

Ans. There is no solid evidence to the theory of capital punishment that it reduces the crime rate but yes it does instil psychological fear in the minds of future criminals against committing heinous crimes.

Capital Punishment – Moral or Immoral? Essay

Introduction, works cited.

Colloquially known as the death penalty, capital punishment has been a highly controversial issue, which has rocked sociologists, criminal investigators, justice, law and order to such an extent that its implications have raised questions. The principle of the sanctity of human life dissuades a person from having an uncontrollable desire for punishment that is inhuman. The topic that I would like to propose is that capital punishment is immoral.

The question of immorality or morality is raised when decisions on social acceptability and cultural codes are put to test. In the light of the above presumption, the view of Immanuel Kant is noteworthy. He maintains that if an offender “has committed murder, he must die. No possible substitute can satisfy justice. For there is no parallel between death and even the most miserable life so that there is no equality of crime and retribution unless the perpetrator is judicially put to death (at all events without any maltreatment which might make humanity an object of horror in the person of the sufferer).” (Kant).

Though Kant has explicitly stated his view point, it only acknowledges the fact that crime should be punished but the degree of punishment should vary. The Code of Hammurabi proposed different punishments and compensation according to class and groups. History is subject to ordeals ranging from mass deaths due to regicide and deaths due to individual claims. The routes of capital punishments can be traced back to 1697 B.C and the argument over its effectiveness and morality continue to be in the heat of controversy even today. (Student Essay on Capital Punishment, Friend or Foe).

It would not be a futile exercise to interpret capital punishment in the light of religion before proceeding to the subject of my argument. Buddhism denounces capital punishment. Chapter 10 of the Dharmapada decries inhuman punishment. Judaism severely opposes capital punishment. Christianity, on the other hand, affirms that the guilty should be punished in proposition to their crime. Murder and treason are especially morally heinous. The concept is adjusted in the Bible as ‘thou shalt give life for life, an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, burning for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe (Exod 21:23 to 25).” (Kant).

Abolitionists all over the world argue that the death penalty is evil doubled. On the other hand, retributionists argue that death penalty is just. The famous 18 th century abolitionist Cesare De Beccaria claims, “the death penalty cannot be useful because of the example of barbarity it gives to men…it seems to me absurd that the laws…which punish homicide should themselves commit it.” (Kant). Mahatma Gandhi, once said, “An eye for an eye only leaves the whole world blind.”

This view is held by the pacifists who believe that violence breeds violence which should only propagate crime among youth and children alike. On the contrary, retributionists prefer death sentence as appropriate to the misdeeds. In objection to this stand, I would like to mention that hatred leads to hatred while love and compassion can change minds.

It would be justifiable if every country that upholds democratic values gives space for patient hearing of cases that demand severe punishment. As human beings it would be better to react humanely in dire circumstances as no person is a born criminal. Circumstances and unavoidable situations twist the lives of hapless victims who later become targets of social justice. It should be possible for every government to react in humane manner respecting democratic ideals. In this case, I believe that life imprisonment would serve a better compensation as it gives the criminal a chance for atonement.

In earlier times, capital punishment in the form of corporal punishment, shunning, banishment etc were carried out. Later, they give way to heinous, cruel and inhumane practices as breaking wheel, boiling to death, flaying, slow slicing, disembowelment, crucifixion, impalement, crushing, stoning, execution by burning, dismemberment, sawing, decapitation, scaphism or neck lasing. It is truly grotesque to be subjected to such heinous punishments. Wither has gone the compassion of the human heart! Of late, punishments as decapitation, electrocution, firing squad, shooting, gas chamber, hanging, lethal injection etc have found their way into retentionist countries as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the U.S. Though countries as Australia and New Zealand have abolished capital punishments, the United States, Japan, India, Africa and the Caribbean islands have retained capital punishment for murder, espionage, treason, rape, adultery, sodomy and apostasy. It seems the countries would not pardon the wrong doers. Christ said, ‘Hate the sin, not the sinners’. It means every individual has to be given the chance of redemption.

Yet another drawback to capital punishment is its brutalizing effect – the disregard for sanctity of life. Every government should formulate the right policies to enhance reducing the harmful effects of capital punishments. Quite often, such punishments are spectator packed that causes shame to the family. They become the object of public ridicule, having to face public disregard and living as outcasts. This is further detrimental to the mental health of the family members of the criminals. They have to face social and political insecurities which would subsequently weaken the morale of the family. This could cultivate second generation criminals in whose mind the seeds of hatred, born out of the desire for revenge, would cost many other innocent lives.

Though economists believe that the death sentence would cut costs drastically, they fail to realize that one life lost would mean no chance to uplift these members of the society. Counseling centers have to be opened and forums and discussions should give a sympathetic ear to correct behavioral problems. It is mandatory that life is precious and a life not lived truly should deserve every chance of rejuvenation. Countries that give importance to such punishments should tone down and believe in the innate goodness of mankind. Police and other law enforcing institutions should play a major role in tracking down criminals and providing social security to them. They should collaborate with medico officials and psychological treatments should be provided. In this regard, law should enforce strict rules wherein human life can be saved. Yet another stumbling block to be overcome is the social stigma that would remain in the lives of the family of the accused. No finger should be raised and they should be able to lead normal lives. The accused should be given the opportunity to meet family members, loved and dear ones rather than guns and objects of punishment. This would create a healthy atmosphere and would definitely be a catalyst in changing the attitude of the criminals in a positive manner. This way either criminal admits their faults and they do not remain hard hearted. Some criminals do realize their mistakes and show interest in redemption.

Over the years, such punishments have deserved a second place and countries are making efforts to change their stand. But serious crimes have not yet received an ultimate solution to the punishment that has to be meted out. Taking into consideration the age of the criminal, it is a relief that juvenile criminals have been saved from capital punishment. All is not done. It can be rightly argued that capital punishment is second degree and should be removed from the pages of law and order. Every individual should be given the chance to make amendments for the wrong he has done. Special courts of hearing comprising of senior most judges should precide of the hearing of the cases and allow the criminals a chance to open up.

To conclude, I firmly believe that laws are made by man, for man – for the betterment of human kind. Bestial injustice in the form of punishments for crimes committed would only grow branches and would not root out the stem that caused the destruction. It is high time that every country sits down to save the wasted energies of individuals and instills humane values. Due regard to values would cultivate universal brotherhood that would enhance political and social goodwill among people and the countries of the world. This would further create a healthy atmosphere wherein every individual would be able to live and let others live. This utopian ideal of society should not remain within the pages of this essay. Can this ideal be realized? The answer lies in the throbbing hearts of the million.

Kant, Immanuel. Death Penalty. Book Rags. 2008. Web.

Kant, Immanuel. Death Penalty: Retributive Arguments.. Book Rags. 2006. Web.

Student Essay on Capital Punishment, Friend or Foe. Book Rags. 2006. Web.

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Home — Essay Samples — Social Issues — Human Rights — Capital Punishment

Essays on Capital Punishment

Capital punishment is a controversial and thought-provoking topic that has been debated for decades. Writing an essay on capital punishment can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to choosing the right topic. In this article, we will discuss the importance of the topic, provide advice on choosing a topic, and present a detailed list of recommended essay topics, divided by category.

Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is a highly divisive issue that has sparked fierce debate around the world. It raises questions about morality, justice, and the role of the state in taking the life of a convicted criminal. Writing an essay on capital punishment allows students to explore these complex issues and develop critical thinking skills. Moreover, it provides an opportunity to examine the social, ethical, and legal implications of the death penalty, making it an important and relevant topic for academic study.

When choosing a topic for a capital punishment essay, it is important to consider your interests and the specific aspects of the death penalty that you find compelling. You may want to explore the history of capital punishment, its ethical implications, its effectiveness as a deterrent, or its impact on society. Additionally, consider the current debates and controversies surrounding the death penalty, as these can provide a rich source of material for your essay.

Recommended Capital Punishment Essay Topics

History of capital punishment.

• The origins of capital punishment
• The evolution of execution methods
• Famous historical cases of capital punishment
• The abolition of the death penalty in certain countries

Ethical and Moral Considerations

• The morality of the death penalty
• Religious perspectives on capital punishment
• The rights of the condemned
• The ethics of executing the innocent

Effectiveness and Deterrence

• The effectiveness of capital punishment as a deterrent
• Comparing crime rates in states with and without the death penalty
• The psychological impact of the death penalty on society
• Alternatives to capital punishment

Legal and Social Justice Issues

• Racial disparities in death penalty sentencing
• The role of capital punishment in the criminal justice system
• International perspectives on the death penalty
• The impact of capital punishment on victims' families

Contemporary Debates and Controversies

• The use of lethal injection as an execution method
• The debate over capital punishment for juveniles
• The role of the media in shaping public opinion on the death penalty
• The impact of public opinion on the future of the death penalty

These are just a few examples of the many possible essay topics related to capital punishment. Regardless of the specific topic you choose, it is important to approach the subject with an open mind and a willingness to engage with different perspectives. By considering the historical, ethical, legal, and social aspects of the death penalty, you can develop a well-rounded and insightful essay that contributes to the ongoing discourse on this important issue.

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5 Death Penalty Essays Everyone Should Know

Capital punishment is an ancient practice. It’s one that human rights defenders strongly oppose and consider as inhumane and cruel. In 2019, Amnesty International reported the lowest number of executions in about a decade. Most executions occurred in China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Egypt . The United States is the only developed western country still using capital punishment. What does this say about the US? Here are five essays about the death penalty everyone should read:

“When We Kill”

By: Nicholas Kristof | From: The New York Times 2019

In this excellent essay, Pulitizer-winner Nicholas Kristof explains how he first became interested in the death penalty. He failed to write about a man on death row in Texas. The man, Cameron Todd Willingham, was executed in 2004. Later evidence showed that the crime he supposedly committed – lighting his house on fire and killing his three kids – was more likely an accident. In “When We Kill,” Kristof puts preconceived notions about the death penalty under the microscope. These include opinions such as only guilty people are executed, that those guilty people “deserve” to die, and the death penalty deters crime and saves money. Based on his investigations, Kristof concludes that they are all wrong.

Nicholas Kristof has been a Times columnist since 2001. He’s the winner of two Pulitizer Prices for his coverage of China and the Darfur genocide.

“An Inhumane Way of Death”

By: Willie Jasper Darden, Jr.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was on death row for 14 years. In his essay, he opens with the line, “Ironically, there is probably more hope on death row than would be found in most other places.” He states that everyone is capable of murder, questioning if people who support capital punishment are just as guilty as the people they execute. Darden goes on to say that if every murderer was executed, there would be 20,000 killed per day. Instead, a person is put on death row for something like flawed wording in an appeal. Darden feels like he was picked at random, like someone who gets a terminal illness. This essay is important to read as it gives readers a deeper, more personal insight into death row.

Willie Jasper Darden, Jr. was sentenced to death in 1974 for murder. During his time on death row, he advocated for his innocence and pointed out problems with his trial, such as the jury pool that excluded black people. Despite worldwide support for Darden from public figures like the Pope, Darden was executed in 1988.

“We Need To Talk About An Injustice”

By: Bryan Stevenson | From: TED 2012

This piece is a transcript of Bryan Stevenson’s 2012 TED talk, but we feel it’s important to include because of Stevenson’s contributions to criminal justice. In the talk, Stevenson discusses the death penalty at several points. He points out that for years, we’ve been taught to ask the question, “Do people deserve to die for their crimes?” Stevenson brings up another question we should ask: “Do we deserve to kill?” He also describes the American death penalty system as defined by “error.” Somehow, society has been able to disconnect itself from this problem even as minorities are disproportionately executed in a country with a history of slavery.

Bryan Stevenson is a lawyer, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, and author. He’s argued in courts, including the Supreme Court, on behalf of the poor, minorities, and children. A film based on his book Just Mercy was released in 2019 starring Michael B. Jordan and Jamie Foxx.

“I Know What It’s Like To Carry Out Executions”

By: S. Frank Thompson | From: The Atlantic 2019

In the death penalty debate, we often hear from the family of the victims and sometimes from those on death row. What about those responsible for facilitating an execution? In this opinion piece, a former superintendent from the Oregon State Penitentiary outlines his background. He carried out the only two executions in Oregon in the past 55 years, describing it as having a “profound and traumatic effect” on him. In his decades working as a correctional officer, he concluded that the death penalty is not working . The United States should not enact federal capital punishment.

Frank Thompson served as the superintendent of OSP from 1994-1998. Before that, he served in the military and law enforcement. When he first started at OSP, he supported the death penalty. He changed his mind when he observed the protocols firsthand and then had to conduct an execution.

“There Is No Such Thing As Closure on Death Row”

By: Paul Brown | From: The Marshall Project 2019

This essay is from Paul Brown, a death row inmate in Raleigh, North Carolina. He recalls the moment of his sentencing in a cold courtroom in August. The prosecutor used the term “closure” when justifying a death sentence. Who is this closure for? Brown theorizes that the prosecutors are getting closure as they end another case, but even then, the cases are just a way to further their careers. Is it for victims’ families? Brown is doubtful, as the death sentence is pursued even when the families don’t support it. There is no closure for Brown or his family as they wait for his execution. Vivid and deeply-personal, this essay is a must-read for anyone who wonders what it’s like inside the mind of a death row inmate.

Paul Brown has been on death row since 2000 for a double murder. He is a contributing writer to Prison Writers and shares essays on topics such as his childhood, his life as a prisoner, and more.

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Death Penalty Essay Introduction — a Quick Guide

Table of Contents

The death penalty is a state-sanctioned practice where an individual is executed for an offense punishable through such means. Death penalty essay is a common topic given to students where the essay writer argues this controversial issue and takes a stand. The death penalty essay intro consists of the opening sentence, the background information, and the thesis statement.

Writing a compelling introduction isn’t easy. But with the tips and examples in this guide, you’ll be able to write a captivating introduction.

What Is a Death Penalty Essay?

The death penalty is the practice of executing a person guilty of capital murder, a crime in which the loss of life is intentional. This method of punishment has been around for as long as human civilization.

The death penalty has been controversial for a long time, with people on both sides of the fence. Supporters claim it works to deter crime, but there is no evidence to prove it. Opposers claim it is cruel and is not the best way to serve justice. 

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. This essay topic is a typical assignment given to college students. Common death penalty essay topics are as follows:

• About the Death Penalty
• Does the Death Penalty effectively deter crime?
• The Death Penalty should not be legal
• The Death Penalty should be abolished.
• Death Penalty and Justice
• Pro-Death Penalty
• Is the Death Penalty Morally Right?
• Death Penalty is Immoral
• Religious Values and Death Penalty
• Ineffectiveness of Death Penalty
• Punishment and the Nature of the Crime
• The Death Penalty and Juveniles.
• Is the Death Penalty Effective?
• The Death Penalty is Politically Just
• The Death Penalty: Right or Wrong?
• Abolishment of the Death Penalty
• The Death Penalty and People’s Opinions
• Is Death Penalty Humane?

How to Write an Interesting Death Penalty Essay Intro

Like other essays, the death penalty essay intro comprises three parts. The hook, a strong opening sentence, grips the reader, sparks their curiosity, and compels them to read the rest of the piece.

Subsequent sentences provide background information on the topic and define the argument’s terms. The last part is the thesis statement, which summarizes the central focus of the essay.

1. the Opening Sentence/Hook

The hook is a statement that grips the reader’s attention and makes them want to read on . The hook should be an exciting statement that sparks the readers’ curiosity, and sets the tone for the essay. It should give an overview of the topic. You could begin with a thought-provoking question, an interesting quote, an exciting anecdote, or a shocking statistic or fact. 

2. Background Information

Provide more information about the subject you are discussing. Create context and give background information on the topic. It could be a social or historical context. Define key terms that the reader might find confusing and clearly but concisely state why the issue is important.

3. Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the overarching idea – the central focus of the essay. It summarizes the idea that you’ll be explaining throughout the entirety of the piece. Once this statement has been established, you’ll smoothly transition into the main body of your essay. Make the thesis clear and concise. 

Death Penalty Essay Introduction Example

Does the death penalty deter crime, especially murder? The death penalty has been controversial for years. Over the years, public opinion about the death penalty seems to have changed. But there are still people who think it is a proper punishment. I have heard the phrase “An eye for an eye” most of my life. Most people firmly believe that if a criminal took someone’s life, their lives should be taken away too. But I don’t think that will discourage anyone from committing crimes. I believe that the criminal should be given a lighter punishment. 

The death penalty or capital punishment is the execution of a criminal by a government as punishment for a crime. In the United States, the death penalty is the most common form of sentence in murder cases.

A death penalty essay argues for or against the death penalty. The essay introduction begins with an attention-grabber , followed by background information on the topic and then the thesis statement.

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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Essay on Capital Punishment

• Updated on  
• Jun 11, 2022

The phrase “punishment” is one that we are all familiar with. However, only a small percentage of the population is familiar with capital punishment. Capital punishment is a court-ordered death penalty for violating criminal laws . Furthermore, the method of punishment differs from one country to the next. Some countries hang the criminals until they die, while others shoot or inject them with a fatal injection. Keep reading the blog to find an IELTS Essay on Capital Punishment and much more!

Methods of Capital Punishment 

• Electrocution – In this method, the perpetrator is bound to a chair and a high-voltage current is passed through his body, quickly killing a guy. It also leads to organ failure (especially heart).
• Tranquilization – This method causes the criminal to die slowly and painlessly by injecting toxin injections into his body. It can take up to several hours for the criminal to die.
• Beheading – Arab and Gulf countries commonly use this method of capital punishment. In this, they just sever the person’s head from their body using this manner.
• Stoning – It is a kind of capital punishment in which the criminal is beaten to death. It’s also the most agonizing technique of execution.
• Shooting – In this approach, the culprit is shot either in the head or in the chest. Hanging – In this method, the culprit is hanged till death.

Also Read: Essay on Human Rights

Advantages of Capital Punishment

• A life sentence is disproportionate to the seriousness of the offense.
• The death sentence has the potential to deter violent crime.
• It does not have to be done in a violent manner.
• The affected family is not re-victimized by the death penalty.
• It eliminates the prospect of an escape and potential victims in the future.
• When capital punishment is used in a fair manner, it can help to reduce prison overcrowding.

Disadvantages of Capital Punishment

• When applied, it is the ultimate negation of human rights.
• The death penalty has the potential to execute someone who is potentially innocent.
• The cost of bringing a death penalty case to trial is substantially higher than in other situations.
• With the death sentence in existence, there may be no deterrent to crime.
• It’s used to keep political messages under control.
• Capital punishment is occasionally used to put children to death.
• There is no turning back once the execution has occurred.
• Sometimes the evidence used to justify the death penalty is contaminated.
• It is frequently used in a discriminating manner.
• The death sentence has a negative influence on a victim’s family.
• Only a few jail escapes occur each year, and even fewer involve violent offenders.
• Some people are simply unconcerned.

IELTS Essay On Capital Punishment (Sample) 

This is an IELTS essay on Capital Punishment which can help you for your exam-

Our lives are less secure without capital punishment, and violent crimes are on the rise. Capital punishment is necessary to restrain violence in society. Since the beginning of time, there has been debate about capital punishment, particularly for violent offences. Many regard it as one of the most heinous penalties, intended to convey a stern message to anyone who even contemplates trouble. While some believe it is natural justice, others believe it is unnatural and argue that humans should not play the role of demi-god. I am certain that people are incapable of deciding one’s death purely on the basis of a disruptive account.

Capital punishment strongly depicts eye-for-an-eye justice, which is a barbarous act in and of itself. Hanging someone to death will not improve the victim’s position, nor will it bring the dead back to life. It may provide a phoney sense of fairness to the people, proving transitory and fading with media attention. Instead, the victim must be given the opportunity to reflect on his own actions, perhaps by meeting the victim or the victim’s family. History has demonstrated that such an exercise acts as a form of punishment because the guilty is usually consumed by flames of repentance. Certainly, such a person deserves a second opportunity.

Few people, on the other hand, would argue that capital punishment restricts criminals and makes the general public feel safe, which is the establishment’s primary responsibility. It is not, in my opinion, lethal punishment that induces a sense of security. People will feel safer in countries like India if decisions are delivered on time and the process is transparent because justice delayed is justice denied. 

It should be emphasized that the main goal of punishment is to reform and rehabilitate a criminal. The state’s job should be to punish the guilty person in a way that re-educates and morally redeems him. Given the inevitability of capital punishment, it should not be used in any circumstance.

A life sentence could instead be used for this purpose where it’s possible that the criminal is given a second opportunity.

Also Read: Essay on Democracy

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Capital Punishment Essay Example

Capital Punishment or the death penalty is a controversial topic that has been debated for years. The growing rate of serious crimes is giving rise to capital punishment in a high count. Today we can see that capital punishment is being given to criminals every other day. If you are a Law student then this capital punishment example essay can help you out to write your essay assignments for the college and school coursework as well. After reading this example of capital punishment essay can give you a fair idea about how to write a three-layered essay on capital punishment.

Essay Sample on Capital Punishment

• Thesis Statement of Capital Punishment Essay
• Introduction of Capital punishment Essay
• Why capital punishment is given to criminals worldwide?
• Out of capital and reformation punishment which should be preferred?
• Positives and negatives of capital punishment

Thesis Statement of Capital Punishment Essay We should try to reduce the practice of capital punishment except for the most heinous crimes like rape. Reformation punishment which gives a solution to stop the crime can be more helpful than capital punishment. Introduction of Capital punishment Essay The criminals who are committing serious crimes like transferring the secret data of a nation to another nation, crimes of rape, murder, robbery of banks are subjected to capital punishment most of the time. But there are some human grounds also which bar such practices to these people and in place of hanging them off the gallows they can be subjected to a reformation. The aim of this essay is to bring out the benefits and drawbacks of capital punishment by giving useful examples. Main Body of Capital Punishment Essay By going through this essay you will be able to understand the difference between capital punishment and reformation punishment as well. Also, you will be in a state of critically analyze the situation to come up with the inferences whether it is good or bad to give capital punishment to criminals. Why capital punishment is given to criminals worldwide? The main purpose of giving capital punishment in the world to criminals is to give a lesson to the criminal for the crime he has committed. At the same time, others are also warned not to commit such crimes as they can experience the same results of punishment. This is the most influential practice and medium through which the rates of crime can be reduced in the world according to the authorities and high conventions. Almost every nation is involved in the legal process of capital punishment to the criminals who are either their citizens or from other countries working as intruders. Get Non-Plagiarized Custom Essay on Capital Punishment or Death Penalty in USA Order Now Out of capital and reformation punishment which should be preferred? There are mainly two types of punishments that are majorly in practice on the global scale. The first is capital and another is reformation punishment. In the latter one criminal is subjected to a process in which the reformation can be inculcated in the society by pondering on the depth of the situation. Reformation is a sort of punishment in which criminals get to realize his mistake and then never commit such mistakes again in their entire life. On the contrary capital punishment as discussed many times is directly related to the death of criminals by hanging them. But the actual purpose of the punishment is to stop the crime in the future which cannot be possible by giving capital punishment. For instance, if someone is shaking his hand with the criminals to earn his livelihood then it is not appropriate to hang him on the gallows. The real situation can be tackled by generating employment opportunities. Similar can be considered in other cases for whichever the capital punishment is given. The death penalty only is given in a case that is really heinous and a person should be treated the same way he treats the victim to understand the pain. Positives and negatives of capital punishment Although capital punishment is giving a suitable example and warning to those who are trying to be involved in the crime of rape, murder, and such other high-level crimes, but sometimes it is not justifiable to the country and people. Both pros and cons are always associated with capital punishment and thus it must be given by thinking on the consequences very meticulously. If we talk about the cons of this punishment then it is not a permanent solution to the problems which can be solved only when particular steps are taken to bring the changes in the set up of the society which is giving rise to this cause of the crimes. This is how we can bring the idea society where there is no crime is committed by its citizens. Conclusion The above essay example on the boons and wane of capital punishment shows that we cannot mark a distinct line between which punishment is best or which is not. It varies from situation to situation and can be decided by seeing the various aspects of the subject. In some instances this sort of punishment must be avoided by the criminals as social upheavals in a class or society can rise if the wrong person is hanged or a person who is doing a crime unknowingly. Only those criminals should be put on the gallows of capital punishment that is not stopping them from committing the crimes one after another. To cap it all we can say that neither capital nor reformation working well to give complete freedom from the crimes alone but in collaboration, they can bring a ray of hope in the society or a country or for that matter world at large. Buy Customized Essay on Capital Punishment or Death Penalty At Cheapest Price Order Now

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This essay has hopefully given you a better understanding of the different perspectives on capital punishment or the death penalty.

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Even if you do not have the idea about how to frame the outline of your essay, how to write the thesis statement of an essay, and need essay introduction writing help on capital punishment then Students Assignment Help is always there to help you in writing the best essays on time. The most relevant feature about the services of Students Assignment Help is that you do not have to bother about the mistakes that have been committed in the essay this is because the native USA assignment proofreaders and editors of the assignments are giving their essay proofreading and editing help on capital punishment to the students. The charges for this help are also very low.

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Analyzing the Impact of McCleskey V. Kemp on Racial Bias in Capital Punishment

This essay about the landmark case McCleskey v. Kemp examines the profound impact of racial discrimination on the U.S. justice system. Warren McCleskey’s appeal highlighted statistical evidence of racial bias in death penalty sentences, sparking debate on systemic racism in capital punishment. Despite McCleskey’s arguments, the Supreme Court’s decision set a high threshold for proving racial discrimination, complicating efforts to address systemic biases legally. The case underscores the challenges in achieving racial justice within the American legal system and advocates for legislative and policy changes to address deep-seated issues of inequality.

How it works

In the United States legal history, few cases have stirred as much debate on racial discrimination in the justice system as McCleskey v. Kemp. Decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1987, this case tackled complex issues of race, law, and morality that continue to resonate today. Warren McCleskey’s appeal was not merely a legal battle; it was a profound inquiry into whether racial bias influenced death penalty sentences.

Warren McCleskey, a Black man, was convicted of murdering a white police officer during a robbery in Georgia.

His appeal to the Supreme Court didn’t claim innocence but instead focused on a statistical study by Professor David Baldus. The Baldus study highlighted a troubling pattern: in Georgia, killers of white victims were significantly more likely to receive the death penalty than killers of Black victims. Furthermore, Black defendants who killed white victims had the highest likelihood of being sentenced to death.

The core of McCleskey’s argument was that racial disparities, as evidenced by the Baldus study, violated the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which respectively prohibit cruel and unusual punishment and guarantee equal protection under the law. The case forced the Supreme Court to confront uncomfortable questions about the role of systemic racism in capital punishment.

However, the Court’s decision was ultimately a setback for those advocating for justice reform. By a 5-4 vote, the justices ruled against McCleskey, arguing that the disparities shown in the study were not sufficient to overturn his conviction unless there was clear evidence of conscious racial bias directed specifically at McCleskey. The majority opinion, written by Justice Lewis Powell, stated that the statistical patterns indicated by the study did not prove that racial bias influenced McCleskey’s specific sentence.

The Court also expressed concerns about the broader implications of acknowledging such statistical evidence. Justice Powell suggested that recognizing the study’s findings could throw the entire legal system into disarray, as similar claims could be made in other areas of criminal justice. This decision underscored a significant judicial reluctance to tackle systemic issues unless they manifest in clear and specific instances of discrimination.

The dissenting opinions, notably from Justice William Brennan, argued passionately that the Court’s refusal to recognize statistical evidence of bias perpetuated a form of “moral blindness.” Brennan contended that the judiciary should not turn away from the broader implications of racial disparities, especially in matters as severe as the death penalty.

The repercussions of McCleskey v. Kemp are far-reaching. The decision effectively set a high threshold for proving racial discrimination in the use of the death penalty, requiring specific evidence of intent to discriminate in individual cases. This standard is notoriously difficult to meet, given that few cases involve explicit evidence of racial bias.

In the decades following McCleskey v. Kemp, the case has continued to be cited in discussions about racial inequality in criminal sentencing. Critics argue that the decision has made it nearly impossible to address systemic biases legally. As racial disparities in capital punishment persist, the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain in achieving racial justice within the American legal system.

McCleskey v. Kemp remains a pivotal case study in the intersection of law and racial inequality. It highlights the complexities and limitations of using the legal system to correct systemic biases, underscoring the need for legislative and policy changes to address these deep-seated issues. While the Supreme Court’s decision was a disappointment for those fighting against racial discrimination in the justice system, it also galvanized activists and legal scholars to continue advocating for a more equitable legal framework.

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Analyzing the Impact of McCleskey v. Kemp on Racial Bias in Capital Punishment. (2024, May 12). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-impact-of-mccleskey-v-kemp-on-racial-bias-in-capital-punishment/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Analyzing the Impact of McCleskey v. Kemp on Racial Bias in Capital Punishment . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/analyzing-the-impact-of-mccleskey-v-kemp-on-racial-bias-in-capital-punishment/ [Accessed: 14-May-2024]

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• Capital Punishment Essay Introduction
• Capital Punishment

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