After researching the topic, it has become clear that the issue of capital punishment is one that has remained controversial throughout history. At different points in history, different interpretations and viewpoints were created by the Supreme Court and the general public of the United States. In 1972, for example, the United States decreed capital punishment unconstitutional because it at that time was considered to go against the eighth amendment of the Constitution. The Supreme Court four years later, however, changed their opinion on the matter and considered capital punishment to be constitutional. The Supreme Court's decisions seem to follow the general population's opinion.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the legality of capital punishment, there are different arguments within each side. On the pro side of capital punishment comes the question of how to perform such a task. Should the task be done by hanging, electrocution, or from the now more common form of injection. Out of the 38 states that now decree capital punishment justified, 37 use the "three-drug cocktail" form of execution. That now has become controversial because it may not be as painless a practice as we are led to believe. The second dose numbs the body to the point of which the person can no longer speak to state whether or not he or she is feeling pain. The third injection is known to cause excruciating pain as the potassium chloride passes through the veins and into the heart. On the other side comes the question of what alternative to take to the death penalty? Is life imprisonment actually a positive alternative?
The reason I chose capital punishment is because it is becoming an international issue. There apears to be a split opinion on the subject across the globe. It seems as though much of Europe and developed Asian countries believe that capital punishment is wrong. On the other side is the middle east, with countries such as Iraq, who we are at war with. Surprisingly, the United States currently is on the same side as Iraq on this issue, as we currently are pro-capital punishment. In much of our media the topic of capital punishment is also ever-present. From books such as Capote's In Cold Blood, which offers a more sympathetic view of criminals and causes an abhorrence to the death penalty, to television shows such as Dexter, in which the main character executes serial killers while trying to retain a normal life.
2 comments:
Yes, you are right when you say that the Supreme Court rules in favor of popular opinion. It sounds like you have done a lot of research, and that you really know what you're talking about. You could try looking into some court cases in which the verdict was execution to evaluate.
First off I would like to comment on your reference to the TV show, Dexter. That show is so interesting. Okay, anyway, I think your use of statistical facts help to form a foundation to back up your position. I don't believe that capital punishment is the right option. I think a criminal should suffer in prison, rather than getting the quick and least painful option. You definitely have enough information to back up your claim and the reference of In Cold Blood is very good. It is definitely an interesting topic and a very controversial one.
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