death penalty research paper outline

The Death Penalty Essay, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on May 24, 2018 May 24, 2018

Ready for a death penalty essay? Take a look at this informational resource featuring an outline, APA style format and a list of references.

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Death Penalty Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: The death penalty should be abolished because it is not one of the best methods of punishing criminals and addressing crime.

Paragraph 1:  

Capital punishment is not an effective way of deterring crime contrary to arguments of those who support it.

• It lacks the deterrent effect to which its advocates commonly refer.
• “There is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty”
• An increasing number of law professionals are seriously questioning the effectiveness of the penalty in preventing crime.

Paragraph 2:

The penalty is not in order because there is no humane way to kill.

• In 2006, a lethal injection was used to execute Angel Nieves Diaz.
• It took a whopping 34 minutes and was administered in two doses.
• According to doctors’ opinion, it is likely that Diaz underwent a painful death.

Paragraph 3:  

The penalty makes a public spectacle out of the death of an individual.

• Victims are often executed in a manner that is extremely public.
• There is no legitimate purpose served by public executions which only increases the punishment’s degrading, inhuman, and cruel nature.
• Executions “carried out publicly are a gross affront to human dignity which cannot be tolerated.”

Paragraph 4:

The penalty does not apply fairly to all criminals as some people are left sentenced to death due to poor quality defense.

• Ineffective assistance of counsel is one of the factors that frequently cause reversals in death penalty cases.
• Whether or not one gets the death sentence largely lies in their ability to afford high quality defense.

Paragraph 5:

The death penalty cannot be taken back once it is executed.

• People may end up paying for crimes they never committed are a result of absolute judgments.
• A Texas man was found innocent after being executed.
• Criminal justice systems should apply punishment methods that allow for the setting free of individuals should further evidence prove them innocent after they are punished.

Paragraph 6: 

Capital punishment is also overly controversial in terms of its ethicality and morality, in light of the Consequentialist Ethical Framework.

• As per this framework, an action passes the ethical test only if it yields the best consequences for everyone.
• In capital punishment, a person is killed with the apparent hope that his or her death will serve justice to the offended.
• From the Consequentialist Ethical Framework angle, this may not be the case.

The death penalty does not address crime effectively as it is purported to. Instead, it tramples upon the human right of undergoing a dignified death and dying peacefully and out of public’s attention.

The Death Penalty Essay Example

The death penalty is one criminal justice area that has attracted a serious debate about whether or not it should be abolished. The penalty enjoys a strong support from the public as people believe that it serves to deter crime as criminals are afraid of dying just like other humans. However, those opposed to it believe that there are enough reasons to warrant its abolishment. For instance, they argue that it does not deter crime as it does not address what motivates people to act criminally. This paper argues that the death penalty should be abolished because it is not one of the best methods of punishing criminals and addressing crime.

Capital punishment is not an effective way of deterring crime contrary to arguments of those who support it. This is because it lacks the deterrent effect to which its advocates commonly refer. “As recently stated by the General Assembly of the United Nations, “there is no conclusive evidence of the deterrent value of the death penalty”” (International Commission against Death Penalty, 2013). This is why a continuously increasing number of law professionals are seriously questioning the effectiveness of the penalty in preventing crime. It is wrongly assumed that one would not want to commit crime since it would possibly land them into the capital punishment. There is however no evidence to support this assumption. Even if one was to fear dying as is assumed here, they might choose to engage in crime that does not attract the death penalty.

The penalty is also not in order because there is no humane way to kill. In 2006 for instance, a lethal injection that was used to execute Angel Nieves Diaz and was deemed ‘humane’ took a whopping 34 minutes and was administered in two doses (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). According to doctors’ opinion on the case, it is likely that Diaz underwent a painful death and thus the procedure could not have been humane in any way. Other brutal execution methods used across the globe include beheading, shooting, and hanging. The nature of these deaths is such that they only continue to perpetuate the violence cycle. In addition, they add onto the pain the victims’ family would have already suffered upon a member of theirs being taken into custody.

Further, the penalty makes a public spectacle out of the death of an individual. Victims are often executed in a manner that is extremely public, with lethal injections live broadcasts in the United States or public hangings in Iran. UN human rights experts hold that there is no legitimate purpose served by public executions which according them, only increase the punishment’s degrading, inhuman, and cruel nature. According to Hadj Sahraoui, an Amnesty International official , executions “carried out publicly are a gross affront to human dignity which cannot be tolerated” (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). Normally, a human being should be allowed the right to die in a dignified manner and ‘privately’ so they may have peace during the transition. It is a right that not even law should take away.

Contrary to the death penalty proponents’ argument that it applies fairly to all criminals, this is not the case as some people are left sentenced to death due to poor quality defense. As observed by OADP (2018), ineffective assistance of counsel is one of the factors that frequently cause reversals in death penalty cases. “Columbia University found that 68% of all death penalty cases were reversed on appeal, with inadequate defense as one of the main reasons requiring reversal” (OADP, 2018). Thus, it follows that whether or not one gets the death sentence largely lies in their ability to afford high quality defense. This makes this punishment method unfair.

Further, the death penalty cannot be taken back once it is executed. People may end up paying for crimes they never committed are a result of absolute judgments. “Texas man Cameron Todd Willingham was executed in Texas in 2004 for allegedly setting a fire that killed his three daughters” (Amnesty International Australia, 2018). However, it would later be revealed through evidence that he was not the one who set that fire. Mr. Willingham, an innocent citizen, had paid with his life a crime he never knew anything about nor committed. As is clear here, being declared innocent was of no use for him since it could not bring him back to life. As such, criminal justice systems should apply punishment methods that allow for the setting free of individuals should further evidence prove them innocent after they are punished.

Capital punishment is also overly controversial in terms of its ethicality and morality, in light of the Consequentialist Ethical Framework. As per this framework, an action passes the ethical test only if it yields the best consequences for everyone (Bonde, et al., 2013). The results of such an action should be such that those involved get the most good out of it. From the onset, it is the intent of any person using this framework to achieve results that would benefit all the people entangled in an ethical dilemma or issue. The framework is advantageous in the sense that it pragmatically focuses on the results of an action before the action is performed. It ensures nobody is treated unfairly in the aftermath of the action. In capital punishment, a person is killed with the apparent hope that his or her death will serve justice to the offended. From the Consequentialist Ethical Framework angle, this may not be the case.

The death penalty does not address crime effectively as it is purported to, and is also unethical. Instead, it tramples upon the human right of undergoing a dignified death and dying peacefully and out of public’s attention. There can never be a humane way to kill and no matter the crime one has committed, they should not be subjected to this painful process of dying. The punishment is also not fair as some people might while others might not afford to hire quality lawyers to defend them. Moreover, it cannot be taken back and this means once persecuted, one can never regain their innocence as well as their life.

Amnesty International Australia. (2018). “Five reasons to abolish the death penalty”. Amnesty International Australia . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from https://www.amnesty.org.au/5-reasons-abolish-death-penalty/#

Bonde, S., et al. (2013). “A framework for making ethical decisions”. Brow University . Retrieved July 3, 2020 from https://www.brown.edu/academics/science-and-technology-studies/framework-making-ethical-decisions .

International Commission against death penalty. (2013). “Why the death penalty should be abolished”. International Commission against Death Penalty . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from http://www.icomdp.org/arguments-against-the-death-penalty/

OADP. (2018). “The facts: 13 reasons to oppose the death penalty”. Oregonians for Alternatives to the Death Penalty . Retrieved May 20, 2018 from https://oadp.org/facts/13-reasons

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• Death Penalty Research Paper

A GUIDE TO WRITING A DEATH PENALTY RESEARCH PAPER

Table of contents, writing a death penalty research paper, death penalty research paper sources, death penalty research paper tips, death penalty research paper assistance.

When students are asked to write research papers, they frequently seek out topics that are current, newsworthy, and a bit controversial. It’s no wonder that the death penalty is such a popular subject . After all, you can write about this topic as part of the coursework in a variety of classes ranging from sociology to political science to criminal justice . Even better, you can present your own views on this topic to generate healthy in-class discussion, and to practice your writing skills . If you are searching for a write my paper help, you are on the right spot - this guide will provide you with the information you need to complete your paper successfully.

It is very important that you find reliable sources for any death penalty research paper. The good news is that if you access academic articles through your school’s academic database, Google Scholar, or other resources you should be okay . Just be very wary of resources from bloggers, political opinion pieces , and other biased sources. If you find a study on the death penalty, make sure it is valid. If the research wasn’t done properly, you cannot rely on any results from that study.

Sample Death Penalty Paper

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Here are some tips to help you write a winning death penalty research paper or essay.

• Write a death penalty research paper outline to provide the right structure to your paper, and organize your arguments.
• Be sure that your death penalty research paper introduction contains a hook, specifies the topic of your paper, and contains a compelling thesis statement.
• Double-check that every body paragraph contains a clear, main idea sentence and supporting points.
• Check your sources, and be certain you have used proper citations and quotes.
• Avoid emotionally charged language.
• Edit and proofread carefully. Stronger opinions hold more weight when they don’t contain errors.

Whether you write a pro or against death penalty research paper, paying close attention to detail and accuracy is imperative.

Best death penalty research paper topics

• Is the death penalty appropriate for juvenile offenders?
• Does the death penalty work as a deterrent?
• Why have most developed nations stopped using the death penalty?
• Is the death penalty cruel and unusual?
• The history of execution.
• The role of religion in capital punishment.
• Racism and the death penalty.
• Poverty and the death penalty.
• Is the death penalty justice?
• What happens when victims oppose the death penalty?
• Should the burden of proof be higher in death penalty cases?
• The history of anti-death penalty activism.
• The financial costs of the death penalty.

More help with your death penalty research paper is just a click away. We have professional writers and editors to help you with any part of the writing process. Contact us 24/7 to get the help you need.

External links

• Wozniak, K. (n.d.).  Analyzing Legislative Abolition of the Death Penalty: A Preliminary Case Study of New Jersey . Retrieved February 19, 2020, from https://www.american.edu/spa/publicpurpose/upload/analyzing-legislative-abolition-of-the-death-penalty.pdf
• Dieter, R. (n.d.).  The Death Penalty and Human Rights: U.S. Death Penalty and International Law . https://files.deathpenaltyinfo.org/legacy/files/pdf/Oxfordpaper.pdf

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How to Write a Research Paper on Death Penalty

Table of Contents

How to start a research paper on the death penalty.

In  writing a research paper , you should first come up with a topic. The topic should be relatable and informative. In choosing the topic, the author must consider the current events that are happening, the most talked about topic that the readers would be interested to read. The death penalty is one of the biggest issues that have been revolving in the news for a very long time. Below are the tips on how to start writing your own research paper about the death penalty.

Tips on how to start

1. Gather Information

A student should first read journals and articles that are related to the death penalty to be able to understand the topic well. An author should touch every aspect of the topic so when the writing starts not to state the false truth and make the research paper or thesis reliable and factual.

2. Familiarize with the topic

Familiarization will help an author see different sides of the topic death penalty. He or she can do this by watching videos of debates on the death penalty. This way a student will understand the topic better and will be able to write the research paper in an objective manner. It is important to be objective in this kind of topic because the readers will have the freedom to take a side based on truths and evidence and not just based on the subjective point of view of the author.

3. Incorporate laws in the research

The death penalty is a very sensitive topic and the information about it should be disseminated to the readers in a manner that is not derogatory to anyone. Reading law articles would be helpful in writing a research paper on this topic. This way the author will be informed of what laws are interconnected and related to the death penalty.

Making an outline

An outline will serve as a guide for a research paper to be written in an organized manner so that the readers will understand it. This will help you organize your thoughts and ideas before writing. It is important to make an outline first before making the research paper to avoid errors and mixed information.

The outline should consist of the following points:

• Thesis statement
• Supporting Arguments
• Body of the research paper of thesis

Outline example

• Thesis Title  – Abolish Death Penalty
• Thesis Statement  – The death penalty should be abolished because there is no assurance that the justice system is foolproof. It will only make the risks higher for innocent people to be punished for crimes they did not do.
• Supporting Arguments a) Killing people is inhumane and immoral. b) Death penalty is against human rights and very barbaric. C) The prisoners on death row can possibly be innocent.
• Body of the Research Paper List of reasons why the death penalty never fit a crime and why it is not morally acceptable.
• Conclusion a) Supporting quote (relate back to intro): “The fear of death is the fear of life.” b) Restate thesis: The death penalty will not help people find justice; instead, it will only worsen the flaw in our justice system.

Above is a sample outline that will guide you and give you an idea of how to make your own research paper. In your actual research paper or thesis, the body of the paragraph should consist of more than four paragraphs while the conclusion can be one long paragraph.

Thesis statement examples

In order to help you with your research paper, here are some thesis statement examples that will give you an idea of writing your own. The thesis statement is the problem that will be discussed in the entire research paper so if the statement is good the whole paper will be good.

• The death penalty should be abolished because there is no assurance that the justice system is foolproof. It will only make the risks higher for innocent people to be punished for crimes they did not do.
• The approval of the death penalty will only bring back the medieval way of punishing people in the most inhumane way.
• The death penalty is just like giving politicians the right to murder anyone to settle political scores.

Example of a death penalty research paper introduction

In each given thesis statement examples above, there is a correspondent example introduction below to show you how to make an introduction. An introduction should always answer the questions why and how, why it should happen, and how it would be accomplished. This will also help you come up with your own introduction in your research paper.

• The abolition of the death penalty should be pushed through so no one will be put into jail and die because of injustice. It will only happen if the government justice system will listen to the people’s cry and if they will consider human acts of punishment.
• In medieval times, people were punished to death if they did something that is against the law. If we just continue this inhumane act of our ancestors, we will only prove that we have not evolved and stayed the same. In this present age, people are more open to change; if we continue the traditional punishment it only will show that there is no difference between the medieval people and us.
• A death penalty is an act that shows how the justice system will legalize a different kind of murder. The politicians who abuse their powers will be delighted to use the death penalty as their scapegoat in murdering innocent people that come their way.

How to write body paragraphs for a research paper on the death penalty

A body of the paper should contain supporting statements that will make the research paper convincing. Below are some tips on how to write the body of the paragraph.

Tips on writing the body of the research paper

• You should start by writing your main and supporting ideas.
• The main ideas should always be in the first paragraph and the supporting ideas should be in the next paragraphs so the readers will understand the main topic.
• Each idea has to be explained and elaborated well for the readers to understand it clearly. You can also provide examples to give clarification to the readers.
• You should cite legitimate sources in your research paper. In finding supporting statements, you should make sure that you cited from books and journals that are used by lawyers and professionals. This will make your research paper authentic and reliable.
• If you want, you can also state news and article reviews as evidence of your statements.
• Conclusion in every paragraph is optional but it can also help the readers summarize the whole research paper.

Below is an example of a short body of the paragraph to be your guide in writing your own research paper on the death penalty.

• Thesis statement: The death penalty should be abolished because of its injustice.

First paragraph example

There is a number of reasons why the death penalty never fits a crime. Even if a person did a crime, there is still no valid reason for anyone to sentence his death. The current justice system states that a person who committed the worst crime should be punished based on how worst his crime is. This seems to be completely illogical and contradictory. How can a person be accused of a crime that he did not do anything about? The answer is no one; therefore, the death penalty is not morally accepted.

Second paragraph example

In terms of morality, those people who receive the death penalty are usually not physically or mentally fit to receive the punishment. Some are suffering from mental disabilities that have caused them to commit such crimes. Twelve percent of people who are on death row are proven mentally retarded making them not fit the punishment of death.

Third paragraph example

The electric chair used for killing people who are on death row has reported failing and causes multiple attempts of execution before the prison actually dies. Even the lethal injection used in modern execution sometimes fails and makes the prisoner’s execution slower and painful. Things like this prove that there is a serious flaw in the justice system.

How to write a conclusion of a research paper on the death penalty

A conclusion serves as the summary of a research paper. It will also include your stand on the topic, whether you agree or disagree. It is important to include a conclusion in every research paper because it will be the closing paragraph and it indicates the end of the research paper.

Tips for writing a conclusion

• A conclusion should have a brief summary of a body of a research paper.
• You can use a quotation related to the death penalty to capture the attention of your readers until the end.
• Recall some important points in the body of the research so that the information will be refreshed in the mind of the readers.
• Compare your topic with others. In this way, you will show the readers that your research paper is broad and universal.
• Lastly, give recommendations. This will make your conclusion more professional.

To complete your guide in writing a research paper on the death penalty below is an example of a conclusion that you can use as to help you write your own conclusion.

Example of a conclusion

A wise man once said, “The fear of death is the fear of life.” The death penalty will not help people find justice; instead, it will only worsen the flaw in our justice system. The people who commit crimes should receive punishment but not in the form of death. Their lives should be valued no matter what mistake they have made. They should learn their lesson while in jail but they should never suffer death as a form of payment for their crimes.

Revision Tips

After submitting your final thesis or research paper your professor/instructor will give advice on how you can improve your research paper. Below are some tips on how you will revise your paper fast and efficiently.

• List down corrections – When your professor gives back your thesis or research paper for the revision you must first check what are the parts that need revision. Once you finish scanning the paper for all the revisions needed you can already start revising. The best technique to make revising fast is to go page by page. When you do this, you can make sure that there is no single word in the research paper that you have not seen.
• Consider feedback – Your professor aims to help you in your research paper so you should consider all his notes and advice in improving your research paper. Accept that your paper is not perfect and the advice that he or she gave you is important and will be so much help.
• Ask for help – When you are having a hard time correcting your own work it is okay to ask someone for help. It may be your classmate, brother, sister, or parents, as long as they are willing and knowledgeable you should always consider their help. Sometimes we cannot see our own mistakes, so having another person check your work and give comments about it will not only improve the research paper – it will also give you ideas on how to make it better the next time you make another research paper.

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Finding Sources for Death Penalty Research

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• Writing Research Papers
• Writing Essays
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

One of the most popular topics for an argument essay is the death penalty . When researching a topic for an argumentative essay , accuracy is important, which means the quality of your sources is important.

If you're writing a paper about the death penalty, you can start with this list of sources, which provide arguments for all sides of the topic.

Amnesty International Site

Amnesty International views the death penalty as "the ultimate, irreversible denial of human rights." This website provides a gold mine of statistics and the latest breaking news on the subject.

Mental Illness on Death Row

Death Penalty Focus is an organization that aims to bring about the abolition of capital punishment and is a great resource for information. You will find evidence that many of the people executed over the past decades are affected by a form of mental illness or disability.

Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty

This extensive article provides an overview of arguments for and against the death penalty and offers a history of notable events that have shaped the discourse for activists and proponents.

Pro-Death Penalty Links

This page comes from ProDeathPenalty and contains a state-by-state guide to capital punishment resources. You'll also find a list of papers written by students on topics related to capital punishment. 

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Criminological Research and the Death Penalty: Has Research by Criminologists Impacted Capital Punishment Practices?

• Published: 16 April 2019
• Volume 44 , pages 536–580, ( 2019 )

Cite this article

• Gordon P. Waldo 1 &
• Wesley Myers 1  

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At the request of the SCJA president this paper addresses five questions. Does criminological research make a difference relative to the death penalty? - If criminological research does make a difference, what is the nature of that difference? - What specific instances can one cite of research findings influencing death penalty policy decisions? Why hasn’t our research made more of a difference? What can we do, either in terms of directing our research or in terms of disseminating it, to facilitate it making a difference? Specific examples of research directly impacting policy are examined. The evidence presented suggests that research on capital punishment has had some impact on policy, but not nearly enough. There is still a high level of ignorance that has limited the impact of criminological research on death penalty policy. The proposed solution is to improve the education of the general public and decision makers in order to increase the impact of criminological research on capital punishment policy.

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Public Sector Criminological Research

Effective Probation in England and Wales? The Rise and Fall of Evidence

Making a Difference in Criminology: Past, Present, and Future

Thomas G. Blomberg

One of the most interesting things the senior author learned in his first statistics class as an undergraduate, which became much clearer when he took his first graduate research methods class, was that if a correlation exists between two variables it does not automatically mean that one of the variables caused the other variable. This is true even if the one that appeared to be the cause (independent variable) met the first criteria for causation and occurred prior to the presumed effect (dependent variable). As he began to teach the first research methods course ever taught in the Criminology Program at Florida State University he also learned about extraneous variables, intervening variables, component variables, antecedent variables, suppressor variables, distorter variables, spurious non-correlations, conditional relationships, conjoint influence, etc. (Rosenberg, 1968 ). These different types of variables will not be discussed, but their existence has relevance in trying to answer the questions posed to the panelists. Instead, reference will be made to ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ influences in this paper because each can be important in bringing about change.

Two other methods the courts have used in this regard is the number of states that have made a significant change in their death penalty statutes, such as the number of states changing the age for execution of juveniles (Thompson v. Oklahoma, 1988 ) . Another method the United States Supreme Court has used is international opinions. “It is proper that we acknowledge the overwhelming weight of international opinion …. The opinion of the world community, while not controlling our outcome, does provide respected and significant confirmation for our own conclusions” (Roper v. Simmons, 2005 p.11).

Warden describes the first exoneration as follows. “The first of what would become a cavalcade of post-Furman Illinois death row exonerations occurred in 1987 when a young prosecutor, Michael Falconer, came forward with exculpatory evidence that exonerated two condemned Chicagoans, Perry Cobb and Darby Tillis. It is hard to imagine more fortuitous or improbable events than those that led to the exonerations of Cobb and Tillis, who had been sentenced to death for a double murder that occurred a decade earlier.’ In 1983, the Illinois Supreme Court reversed and remanded their case because the trial judge had rejected a defense request to give the jury an accomplice instruction. The prosecution’s star witness, Phyllis Santini, had driven the getaway car used in the crime - admittedly but, she claimed, unwittingly. Chicago Lawyer , an investigative publication … carried a detailed article based on the Illinois Supreme Court opinion and case file. As luck would have it, Falconer, who recently had graduated from law school, read the article, which discussed Santini’s testimony in some depth. Years earlier, Falconer had worked with Santini at a factory and, as he would testify, she had told him that her boyfriend had committed a murder and that she and the boyfriend were working with police and prosecutors to pin it on someone else. “I thought to myself, ‘Jeez, there’s a name from the past,”‘Falconer reflected in a Chicago Lawyer interview. “I read on and started thinking, ‘Holy shit, this is terrible.”‘He called a defense lawyer mentioned in the article, reporting what Santini had told him. At an ensuing bench trial in 1987, Cobb and Tillis were acquitted by a directed verdict on the strength of Falconer’s testimony.” By then, Falconer was a prosecutor in a neighboring jurisdiction.” Cobb and Tillis eventually received gubernatorial pardons based on innocence. As serendipitous as the Cobb and Tillis exonerations” were, they were no more so than many that would follow. … (there were) 20 Illinois death row exonerations -each involving odds-defying fortuity. The error rate among 305 convictions under the 1977 Illinois capital punishment statute was in excess of 6% (Warden, 2012 p. 247–248).

Justice Marshall was careful to fully support his position surrounding the lack of a deterrent effect of the death penalty with two lengthy ‘laundry lists’ of research in the footnotes of his published opinion which are abbreviated here. “See, e. g., Jon Peck, The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: Ehrlich and His Critics, 85 Yale L. J. 359 (1976); David Baldus & James Cole, A Comparison of the Work of Thorsten Sellin and Isaac Ehrlich on the Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment, 85 Yale L. J. 170 (1975); William Bowers & Glenn Pierce, The Illusion of Deterrence in Isaac Ehrlich’s Research on Capital Punishment, 85 Yale L. J. 187 (1975); Issac Ehrlich. The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: A Question of Life and Death, 65 Am. Econ. Rev. 397 (June 1975); Hook, The Death Sentence, in The Death Penalty in America 146 (Hugo Adam Bedau ed. 1967); Thurston Sellin, The Death Penalty, A Report for the Model Penal Code Project of the American Law Institute (1959).” And “See Passell & Taylor, The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: Another View (unpublished Columbia University Discussion Paper 74–7509, Mar. 1975), reproduced in Brief for Petitioner App. E in Jurek v. Texas, O. T. 1975, No. 75–5844; Passell, The Deterrent Effect of the Death Penalty: A Statistical Test, 28 Stan. L. Rev. 61 (1975); Baldus & Cole, A Comparison of the Work of Thorsten Sellin & Isaac Ehrlich on the Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment, 85 Yale L. J. 170 (1975); Bowers & Pierce, The Illusion of Deterrence in Isaac Ehrlich’s Research on Capital Punishment, 85 Yale L. J. 187 (1975); Peck, The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: Ehrlich and His Critics, 85 Yale L. J. 359 (1976). See also Ehrlich, Deterrence: Evidence and Inference, 85 Yale L. J. 209 (1975); Ehrlich, Rejoinder, 85 Yale L. J. 368 (1976)… See also Bailey, Murder and Capital Punishment: Some Further Evidence, 45 Am. J. Orthopsychiatry 669 (1975); W. Bowers, Executions in America 121–163 (1974).”

This only happened once with a legislator who was in favor of the death penalty and opposed to abortion. I later learned from other lobbyist’s that he was known as a ‘weird duck’ and they tried to stay away from him. Fortunately, he is no longer in the legislature.

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Waldo, G.P., Myers, W. Criminological Research and the Death Penalty: Has Research by Criminologists Impacted Capital Punishment Practices?. Am J Crim Just 44 , 536–580 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12103-019-09478-4

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84 Capital Punishment Essay Topics & Examples

If you’ve looked for capital punishment essay topics, you’re in luck! Below, our experts have collected some death penalty title ideas and samples for your paper.

📝 Capital Punishment Essay Writing Tips

✔️ top death penalty title ideas, 🏆 best death penalty essay titles & examples, 💡 most interesting death penalty topics to write about, ❓ capital punishment research questions.

Capital punishment has been a debatable issue for decades. Some people believe that the death penalty plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system, while others think that this procedure is highly unethical.

An essay on capital punishment may be a challenging assignment because students should know much about the subject. Do not worry, we have got you covered! Read this article until the end and learn some important tips on writing capital punishment essays.

Start with choosing the subject for your paper. Here are some capital punishment essay topics that you can use:

• Capital punishment in the media
• Crime and punishment in today’s world: Death penalty
• Capital punishment essay: Arguments against death penalty
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• Capital punishment should be forbidden: Anti-death penalty arguments
• Why capital punishment may target the poor
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Remember that these are just examples of topics and titles for your paper. You can choose any related capital punishment essay titles. Once you have selected a topic of your essay, you can start working on the assignment. Here are the key points you should use to write an outstanding essay:

• Study the subject thoroughly. Use reliable sources to analyze the legal and ethical aspects of the death penalty. Select the sources you will use in the paper and remember that they should be credible.
• A well-developed outline is key. Make sure that your paper includes an introduction, a conclusion, and several body paragraphs.
• If you are not sure about the structure of your paper, check out essays online to see how they are organized. This step can also help you to see whether the selected problem is relevant. Remember that you should avoid copying the information you will find online. Plagiarism will make your essay look unreliable and get you a bad grade.
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• When working on an opinion piece, state your viewpoint clearly. Do you think that all countries should legalize death penalties? Do you believe that capital punishment is unethical? Do some offenders deserve a death penalty more than others do? Answer these questions in detail.
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• Restate your arguments and the thesis in a concluding section. Provide a summary of your findings along with recommendations for future research.

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• Why should the death penalty be abolished?
• What are some unusual punishments for crimes?
• Can the death penalty be compared to killing in cold blood?
• Is life imprisonment more just than the death penalty?
• Reasons to criticize capital punishment in China.
• Analyzing A Descending Spiral by Marc Bookman.
• What are the pros of capital punishment?
• Executing the innocent people: the issue of mistake.
• Abolishing the death penalty in Texas.
• Serial killers sentenced to capital punishment.
• Capital Punishment: Proponents and Opponents Arguements The opponents of capital of capital punishment argue that it is not a just and humane way of punishing heinous criminals in the society because everybody has right to life.
• Capital Punishment: A Critical Evaluation of Its Appropriateness in Modern Society In line with the above argument, supporters of capital punishment argue that the practice permanently removes thieves, murderers, rapists, and other criminals from the face of society, in the process making it safer for compliant […]
• Capital Punishment in Political View This is because quiet a number of the abolitions have been associated with democratic developments in political systems of the countries that have abolished the penalties. Conservatives have in the United States been strongly opposed […]
• Capital Punishment as an Option in Maryland Death penalty is the most serious punishment that can be used by the government against people; and even if it costs less then keeping a person in jail till the end of his/her life and […]
• Capital Punishment Role in the World However, it is wrong and unjustified because it is inhuman, unfair, violates the human right to life, and it does not aid in reduction of crime.
• Capital Punishment Legislation The main reasons that opponents of the death penalty give for their position are, the fact that the death penalty is inhumane and cruel.
• Analysis of Capital Punishment in the Films Those for the death penalty in the movie are represented by Ramunda who becomes a strong advocate for the death penalty and in many instances, is a counterpart of Cushing.
• Capital Punishment in Modern American History: Lists of Capital Crimes That Varied From Region to Region Politicians are frequently trying to expand the scope of capital punishment by bringing in a host of crimes under it.”The US public has deep concern over violent crimes due to the cynical manipulation of capital […]
• The Economic Significance of Capital Punishment The survival of any civilization hinges on the establishment of laws and codes of conduct and the subsequent obeying of the same by the society’s members.
• Avoiding of Capital Punishment Capital punishment is also unnecessary since there are better ways of punishing criminals such as life imprisonment to keep the society in order and at peace.
• Capital Punishment and Deterrence of Crime For the case of murder or crimes that necessitate capital punishment, the incentive to commit murder is directly related to the uncertainties that punishments for the crime will generate.
• Analysis: Speech In Favor of Capital Punishment by John Stuart Mills Mills rightly points out that the very grounds of humanity used to support the removal of the death penalty should also be the ones used to support retaining of the sentence.
• The Death Penalty in the Modern Society The cost of maintenance of the convicted individuals is also one of the reasons that necessitate the death penalty. The reaffirmation of the death penalty is also attributed to the teachings portrayed by most religions.
• Capital Punishment: Advantages and Disadvantages This paper examines death penalty from an impartial view by considering disadvantages and advantages of capital punishment in society. Thirdly, Teeters views that death penalty is a retribution action in which a victim is punished […]
• Psychological Aspects of Capital Punishment According to research done by Freedman and Hemenway on a group of death row inmates, it was established that almost a two-thirds of the death row inmates are retarded.
• Death Penalty: Utilitarian View on Capital Punishment Another significant benefit offered by the death penalty to the society is that it leads to the permanent incapacitation of the convicted person.
• The Death Penalty Debate in the United States of America The punishment is believed to have been there even at the time of the earlier colonies of the United States; it as well continued to be in force within the states that came to form […]
• Moral Issue of Capital Punishment Capital punishment is also a form of premeditated death as the action is planned for, does it mean that the state has the right to premeditate deaths for some of its citizens because they are […]
• The Consequences of Capital Punishment The appeals in the death penalty cases are usually many and cause the social costs of the cases to be even more expensive.
• Does the Death Sentence Offer Justice to the Criminal? It is not enough to be locked in prison for ending the life of a fellow human being. Revenge is one of the ways that can be used.
• Isolation and Capital Punishments On the other hand, capital punishments such as deaths deprives of people the freedom of life and goes against God’s command which disallows intentional killings of persons, or murder. Similarly, capital punishment in the form […]
• The Ethical and Legal Standards of Capital Punishment This is one of the details that should be considered. This is one of the pitfalls that should be avoided.
• Debates on Capital Punishment in the US For example, capital punishment is the best punishment for murder because it is equal to the crime. Thirdly, capital punishment is a violation of the human right to life.
• Capital Punishment in United States The most compelling argument in support of capital punishment is that failing to execute murderers may in itself put more lives in danger.
• Capital Punishment and Unusual Punishment The issue of capital punishment has always been on the radar of the Supreme Court of the United States. The key question that should be answered is the future of capital punishment and unusual punishment […]
• Capital Punishment, Its Ethics and Infair Justice The main factors leading to differences in stands between the anti-capital punishment and pro-death are the morality and religious issues surrounding the matter.
• Capital Punishment in Indonesia The government is also known to safeguard the details of capital punishment in the country. The targeted prisoners are “executed in the middle of the night”.
• Capital Punishment in Melville’s “Billy Budd, Sailor” One of the reasons for the triumph of Billy Budd, Sailor in America and the United Kingdom, was the precision, with which the author portrayed the historical and cultural context, particularly Melville analyzed both issues […]
• The Controversy Over Capital Punishment It is as a result of this that he concludes that Ford calls for the execution of capital punishment as a penalty in criminal offences.
• Capital Punishment and Race Factor in the US First of all, it is necessary to briefly discuss the history of race in the U.S.to provide a foundation for the bias and explain its causes.
• Public Opinion on Capital Punishment for Juveniles This essay is a study of the public opinion on Capital Punishment for juveniles, this is a very controversial subject as many people are against Captial punishment, and many are for life imprisonment, capital punishment […]
• An Orwellian Look at Capital Punishment His reaction to the actual hanging of a puny Hindu man borders on a strategy of remaining as a detached viewer and subconsciously, his gorge rises at the thought of a human being with a […]
• Capital Punishment in the US Analysis Capital Punishment is the lawful infliction of death as a punishment for a major crime. The first argument against Capital Punishment is that it is inhumane.
• Capital Punishment – Moral or Immoral? It would not be a futile exercise to interpret capital punishment in the light of religion before proceeding to the subject of my argument. Countries that give importance to such punishments should tone down and […]
• Capital Punishment in the UK Should be Reintroduced? ‘Capital Punishment’ or the ‘Death Penalty’ is the judicially ordered, lawful infliction of death as a punishment for a serious crime called a ‘capital offence’ or a ‘capital crime.
• Capital Punishment: Term Definition In that regard, taking such issues such as euthanasia, abortion and capital punishment, the latter can be considered as the most delicate, especially considering many cases that represent exceptions that are feared to be repeated.
• Capital Punishment in Florida The system is erroneous and cases that almost end up in the ‘chair’ are overturned contrary to the expectations of the family members of the murdered.
• Capital Punishment Debates: Death Penalty The capital punishment has been practiced in almost all the societies and all epochs in the development of the mankind. The author educates the society as a whole on litigious issues of the death penalty […]
• Capital Punishment Interpretation and Exceptions Under custody, the law applies to cases in which the conditions of custody are compromised and to situations where the suspect is held unfairly. The suspect responded with a yes and this was used as […]
• Capital Punishment: Utilitarianism and Retributivism Theories However, to rule out chances of an innocent person being punished, the theory advocates for justice; before punishment is administered, the court should proof beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty.
• The Significance of Capital Punishment in the UAE Current analysis of the importance of the death penalty worldwide focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of the punishment. The UAE has a mandatory death penalty which is susceptible to the judgment of authorities and […]
• Justifications for Capital Punishment This statement mostly appeals to a general deterrence argument, as the fear of punishment emerged from showing its implementation, but not from other justifications effects.
• Capital Punishment Is Morally and Legally Wrong The problem of the death penalty is complex and multifaceted. It affects the political, legal, moral, cultural, and other fields of life.
• Capital Punishment and the Death Penalty Furthermore, the defense and, in the United States, the prosecution has the right of vexatious challenge, which allows it to confront several participants without providing a reason.
• What Does Capital Punishment Mean in History?
• How Can Death Penalty Prevent Repeat Offenders?
• Why Should Capital Punishment Be Reinstated in Australia?
• How Objective and Justifiable Are Our Reasons for Enforcing the Death Penalty?
• Does Capital Punishment Have a Deterrent Effect?
• How Has the Death Penalty Changed Over Time?
• What Is Wrong With Capital Punishment?
• Should Federal Courts Review State Death Penalty Cases?
• Can Capital Punishment Ever Be Justified?
• Should the Death Penalty Apply to Juvenile Criminals?
• Does the Death Penalty Breach Human Rights?
• Can Capital Punishment Keep Us Safe?
• Should the Death Penalty Be a Part of the System of Justice?
• Does Capital Punishment Equate to Cruel and Unusual Punishment?
• Should the Death Penalty Be Enforced?
• How Does Capital Punishment Affirm Life?
• Should the Death Penalty Be Imposed for Drug Offences?
• Does Capital Punishment Have a Local Deterrent Effect on Homicides?
• Should the Death Penalty Be Mandatory for Homicide?
• How Does Capital Punishment Work in the United States?
• Should the Death Penalty Be Morally Acceptable?
• Does Race Affect the Way of Capital Punishment?
• What Crimes Are Charged With Death Penalty?
• Does the Capital Punishment Have a Role in Civilized Society?
• Why Should Capital Punishment Be Abolished?
• What Effects Does the Death Penalty Cause on Society?
• How Does Legislation Help to Prevent Racial Bias in Death Penalty Convictions?
• Is the Death Penalty Fair?
• Does Jodi Arias Deserve the Death Penalty?
• What Attitudes Might Christians Hold About Capital Punishment?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Choosing Topic For A Research Paper On The Death Penalty

Table of Contents

The death penalty is highly discussed all around the world. The main aspect of the problem is its moral side: is there any crime worth being punished with death?

Writing a death penalty research paper would demand to state your personal position on the question. It is better to define it for yourself before you start.

Still, you’ve got time for that. No need to rush. Think about it while we explain the basic requirements for a research paper on the topic.

Death penalty research paper: a brief how-to

First of all, the structure… An essential part of any written work.

It consists of:

• Outline . A table of contents, basically.
• Introduction . The beginning of your text. Here you present your thesis, your statement, and explain your vision of the issue. You might also provide the reader with a brief history of the problem, definitions, etc. Anything that would grab the reader’s attention.
• Main body . This is to present all your ideas and research work you’ve done. Remember to place the statements in a logical order and divide the text into paragraphs.
• Conclusion . Here you sum up everything you’ve said before. Keep in mind that you don’t have to add any new ideas in this paragraph.
• References . At the very end, you provide a list of resources and bibliography.

While researching the topic, find out about the death penalty procedure, legislation, countries, that practice it, what kinds of crimes are condemned with the death penalty, what are the terms and conditions, etc.

List of credible sources for inspiration

WWhile there’s a need to know much on the topic, it’s obvious that you have to do a lot of college research paper work. That is why you have to choose the best sources. So here are some ideas where you can take useful, reliable and up to date information:

• Wikipedia . Only to get a general understanding, before digging deeper. Here you can find information on history, contemporary use, public opinion, etc. Pay attention to the references mentioned in the articles. They usually contain valuable resources.
• DPIC (Death Penalty Information Center). Loads of data on capital punishment in the U.S.A. Moreover, they post news about condemnations , have execution database and state-by-state map.
• CNN contains a pretty interesting article “Death Penalty Fast Facts”. It is constantly updated and provides curious statistics.
• NCADP (National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty). The movement against capital punishment. Of course, you won’t find information in favour of such punishment on their website, but it is still very informative and has a lot of supporters.

How to choose a topic?

Capital punishment research paper writing may cover a vast variety of issues related to capital punishment. The main task here is to choose a narrow, specialized topic so that it would be interesting and won’t make you get lost in the number of facts.

If you face troubles composing a topic for your work , try this:

• Brainstorm . Set an alarm clock for 5-10 minutes and concentrate on noting ideas for your topic.
• Find the aspect of your most genuine interest.
• Make sure that the issue you chose is well covered with decent materials .
• Note keywords of your topic to be.
• Experiment on phrasing.
• Determine your topic as the main research question.

Didn’t help? Well, we’ve got some ideas for you. Check ‘em out below.

Death penalty research questions

As the issue is very multifaceted, it might get quite difficult to decide where to start.

Whichever topic you choose, it’s better to know general information on the case. Here are the most helpful stats!

• 105 (54%) countries abolished capital punishment for all crimes.
• 7 (4%) countries abolished the death penalty de facto and haven’t used it in practice for more than 14 years, but it is reserved for exceptional cases.
• 55 (28%) countries use the death penalty in practice.
• Most popular issues within the topic are death penalty and international human rights ; racial aspect; methods of performing; religious aspect; humanness.

More statistics, visualized for your convenience:

Death penalty essay topics

Since there is a lot to examine within the issue of capital punishment, you would need to come up with a specific topic for your research paper.

Below are some prewritten death penalty research paper topics which may be of great help:

• Can the death penalty be seen as an act of revenge, not as a punishment?
• The death penalty is more human than life imprisonment.
• The negative sides of the death penalty.
• Does the death penalty have a positive effect on crime rates?
• Can capital punishment save the funds that are spent on the imprisoned?
• Is the death penalty equal to murder?
• How should capital punishment be performed?
• There’s always a chance to execute an innocent person. How to solve this problem?
• Death penalty in the religious context.
• Examine the legislation of the countries where capital punishment is practised.
• The moral aspect of the death penalty.
• Pros and cons of the death penalty.
• Lifetime imprisonment is a better punishment for criminals.
• Own attitude towards the death penalty.
• It is better to keep ten criminals alive than to execute one innocent person.
• Methods of performing capital punishment.
• Evolution of the death penalty.
• Analyze all the aspects of capital punishment in a selected country/state.
• People who are considered to deserve capital punishment will never be rehabilitated in society.
• How to deal with the chance of executing an innocent?
• The effectiveness of the death penalty in preventing crimes.
• Can capital punishment be seen as a violation of human rights?
• Families of executed people: psychological context.
• Capital punishment: an efficient means or a relic of history?
• Death penalty as a method of intimidation in third-world countries.

To sum up, we’d say that a capital punishment research paper is indeed a tough but still thought-provoking assignment.

However, knowing the basics of writing such paper will surely ease your work.

Follow the instructions of your teacher, use hints and ideas from this article and be ready to do your best!

Don’t know how to craft a perfect paper on the death penalty, but strive to have one? If there only was a service to help you out… Wait! There is one. Order your perfect essay here and forget all your troubles.

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Writing Death Penalty Research Papers

Death penalty. Is it necessity or just another manifestation of human evil nature? It is very difficult to answer this question. In fact, no one has answered it yet. To be more correct, people have answers, but these answers are very different which causes clashes in the society. Is it human to take life of a person who took another person’s life? The Church says “NO” while the government claims the opposite. So, where is the truth? Thousands of students from all over the world are trying to find an answer to this question in their death penalty essays .

Death Penalty Research Paper Page Navigation

• Death Penalty Research Paper Sample
• How Can We Help
• Death Penalty Questions
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Death Penalty Research Paper Sample (Cick the Image to Enlarge)

Death penalty research paper sample.

If you have never written an essay on death penalty and have very little knowledge in this issue, you should definitely look for a death penalty search paper sample . Such a sample will provide you with helpful information on how to write such research paper type . First and foremost, you will get some ideas for death penalty research paper topics . Also, you will have an opportunity to study information on death penalty cases, social debates on this issue, the most famous mistrials etc. Besides, this is a great opportunity to have a look at research paper structure and outline . Death penalty is a rather controversial issue, so it is not easy to write about this problem.

Death penalty or sometimes referred to as capital punishment is the execution of a person by legal process. Crimes that result to death are called capital offence. Historical data on this penalty shows that inhumane ways have been utilized to execute the accused. These included boiling to death, slow slicing, disembowelment, crucifixion, and dismemberment, to name a few. Today, states which support death penalty use lethal injection. As with any other social issues, there are various opposing views on death penalty. This controversial issue is the very core reason why a death penalty research paper is assigned by many teachers. The opposing views make a good research paper topic . However, ProfEssays.com came up with a list of possible topics which you can use on your paper.

Below is a list of interesting research paper topic , as compiled by ProfEssays.com

• The history of inhumane ways of death penalty
• Countries who practice capital punishment
• Religious views on death penalty
• United nations on death penalty

How can we help?

Because of the controversial topic, many students are hesitant about writing a death penalty research paper . If you are one of these students, then go ahead and see what ProfEssays.com can do for you. We are a professional service writing company who has proven its capability to provide quality custom research papers to all our customers. With our team of professional and certified academic writers, we have proven that we are more than capable to provide you with high quality essays that are truly customized and plagiarism free. In fact, we ensure that your paper is customized as all papers are written from scratch with strict accordance to the customer’s individual needs and personal requirements. Your paper is certified to be free from any form of plagiarism as we ensure that every single paper released to our clients are submitted to a meticulous and rigorous anti plagiarism software. We guarantee prompt delivery as well as we personally certify that you will be receiving your paper on time at all times. In fact, in cases of emergency – we can assure you that your paper can be completed within 8 hours.

We create an edge over other companies with this feature. However, there’s more as we are committed to provide thorough customer service to all our clients. We have created a on hand customer support team who is specifically tasked to answer all your questions on your paper or our services at any given time of the day. Moreover, we have ensured secure measures to keep your transactions with us private and protected. As we promise no less than 100% confidentiality among all our clients, you enjoy complete privacy. Furthermore, we have partnered with a company leader to ensure that your credit card transactions with us are secure. The company which we have commissioned has earned a reputation for facilitating secure internet transactions. So, if you have any need for a death penalty research paper , keep in mind ProfEssays.com can deliver all your requirements and more for rates that are highly reasonable. Read more about: research papers for sale, research paper footnotes and APA style research paper writing help available at ProfEssays.com .

Death penalty questions

Why is death penalty such a controversial issue? It is because there are many death penalty questions that have no answers. Is it ethical? Is it legal to kill a person who killed another person? Why should taxpayers cover living expenses for those who received life sentences for the cruelest murders? Indeed, it is impossible to give a definite answer. Some people claim that those who deliberately deprived a person of his/her life do not have the right to live, even in prison. Others say that no one has the right to take a person’s life away, even if this person has committed very serious crimes. When writing your death penalty research papers you can focus on the above questions.

Writing death penalty research paper

If you are writing death penalty research paper you need to understand that you are writing about a very serious issue. You cannot just state facts and describe the problem. You have to try to give an answer to the question: “Should death penalty be abolished?” Every your word and statement must be supported by facts and expert opinions. When writing a research paper on death penalty you have to first investigate history of death penalty in the US and other countries. You need to look for reasons why death penalty was introduced. If you are asked to express your viewpoint you should certainly do so. If you support the idea of death penalty punishment you have to state your reasons. Use statistic information, look for interviews of prominent judges and lawyers and find information about the most famous criminals who have been sentenced to death.

Personal point of view on a topic

Structure for death penalty research paper.

Every type of research paper needs to have a certain structure. There are universal requirements to all essay and research paper types, including research paper on death penalty. Structure for death penalty research paper does not differ from other essay and research paper types. Traditionally, it starts with an introduction and thesis statement if necessary. Here you give your reasons for choosing this topics and make an outline of research results you are about to achieve. Then comes the body where you study the topic. Conclusion contains summarized information, as well as your personal attitude to death penalty.

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• Death Penalty

Essays on Death Penalty

Your death penalty essay should provide a definition of the death penalty – it is an exceptional measure of punishment that can only be established for especially grave crimes. Death penalty essays usually state that in 1972 the Supreme Court abolished the death penalty in the United States, but reinstated it at the state level in 1976 and at the federal level in 1988. In 2019, 22 people were executed in the United States due to state court decisions. Seventeen of the 50 states and the District of Columbia do not have the death penalty. More than half of the death sentences occur in seven southern states: Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, and Virginia. Current essays on death penalty should note that in 2020 the first federal death row prisoner in 17 years was executed in Indiana. View the death penalty essay samples below. Informative samples will help you compose a great essay!

The movie “Return to Paradise,” raises profound ethical questions regarding personal mortality as well as lawyers’ ethical responsibility. The movie revolves around three young Americans who enjoy a cheap and sensual summer in Malaysia, usually while stone on cheap hashish. Two of them, Sheriff and Tony, return to the United...

Capital Punishment: A Controversial Concept Capital punishment refers to a legal death penalty for defendants found guilty of their charges; a concept that is continually finding its way into all circles in life due to its controversial nature. In Western Europe, the United States is the only country currently where the...

In the present times, most nations are determining in ensuring that the individuals live in peace and harmony. In order to achieve this, there are numerous laws that have been established relating on how to deal with individuals who commit crimes such as murder, robbery with violence, rape, physical assault...

Words: 1178

Head, Tom. “5 Arguments for the Death Penalty.” ThoughtCo, 19 Feb. 2017, https://www.thoughtco.com/arguments-for-the-death-penalty-721136. Accessed 30 Jul. 2018. In this paper, Tom Head puts forward his arguments in support of the death penalty. He observes the waning support of the capital punishment in the United States by referring to a recent Gallup...

Words: 2032

Texas Death Penalty: Controversies and Considerations Texas has been using the legal death penalty for capital offenses for a very long time, executing a lot of people compared to the other states in the United States of America. Texas should cease using the death penalty in cases that are contradicting or...

The debate on the constitutionality and the need for the death penalty in the united states and globally has polarized the country as different schools of thought have come up to support the capital punishment while others have sharply criticized this action (Reynolds, 2015). Another group of individuals has been...

Words: 1163

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Death Penalty Death penalty is also recognized as capital punishment, which is a suction practice by the government where a law offender is put to death as a penalty due to the crime. The crimes which are punished through execution are known as capital offenses, and they are such as war...

Words: 1997

The death penalty is a situation whereby death is given to someone having committed crime. It is also termed as capital punishment. In the past centuries capital punishment was familiar, but recently it has reduced. Due to its argumentation, it has brought many controversies thus the need to shut down....

Words: 1791

Death Penalty: History and Introduction Death penalty is also recognized as capital punishment, which is a suction practice by the government where a law offender is put to death as a penalty due to the crime. The crimes which are punished through execution are known as capital offenses, and they are...

Words: 1989

The Decline of Death Sentences in the United States The leveling of death sentences by American courts is not a secret. However, there has been a decline in the number of jurisdictions imposing death penalties in the recent past. Despite the decline, Texas still leads the country's executions. Texas is estimated...

The first four episodes of The Last Defense examine the criminal case established against Darlie Routier. The first episode depicts how a housewife in Dallas was sentenced to death for the malicious homicide of her two sons. Routier’s husband narrates the events as they unfolded from his perspective. The second...

Words: 1418

The death penalty also known as capital punishment refers to the termination of a criminal’s life by the state as a way to ensure social justice.  Capital offenses include murder, rape, kidnapping, treason and other higher-level criminal activities that are brutal in nature. Capital punishment is a controversial topic in...

Words: 2884

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Death Penalty Argumentative Essay; Topics, Arguments, Outline

Sat Sep 25 2021

By Nickdeda

Are you stranded about that assignment that requires you to write a death penalty argumentative essay? Don’t panic. This article is your ultimate guide. Read how to present your arguments while outlining your essay.

What Is Death Penalty?

Death penalty essays revolve around writing about murder executions. Although this topic's debate is controversial, its proponents argue that the death penalty offers retribution to the grieving family. They also contend that it costs less than life imprisonment. On the other hand, opponents to the death penalty argue that it gives the government the power to take out human life, which shouldn't be the case.

What Is A Pro Argument For Death Penalty?

A pro argument in a death penalty persuasive essay revolves around dissecting the pros of the punishment. For instance, perpetrators of heinous crimes are executed, and the US Supreme Court upholds the death penalty as a constitution. A statement of this nature is considered a pro argument when discussing death penalties in the US.

What Are Some Arguments For The Death Penalty?

When assigned death penalty argumentative essays, it is prudent to research extensively to identify the topic's schools of thought. Note that in an argumentative essay, you need to pick a side. Some of the arguments in a death penalty argumentative essay include:

1.       Legality concerns. Although the US is among 55 countries nationwide to constitute the law, some countries still debate the legitimacy of the death penalty.

2.       Life without parole. Opponents to the death penalty law argue that life imprisonment without parole is a more reasonable alternative to killing.

3.       Pre-emption of criminal activities. Proponents argue that by killing offenders, people become afraid of crime due to the harsh penalty.

4.       Retribution. Arguers of the death penalty law argue that victims' families feel that justice is avenged for their deceased by killing perpetrators.

5.       Morality. The debate on ethics has been posed by both religious, secular and legal arms as to how moral the act of killing is when justifying punishment.

How To Write Death Penalty Should Be Abolished Essay

Students must understand that the context of this topic is opposition. Therefore your counterarguments should clearly define why you object to the death penalty law. To help you do so, you must read plenty of information sources to help you come up with the best points.

How To Write A Death Penalty Argumentative Essay Introduction

Catchy, concise and memorable. That’s the way to go when writing a death penalty introduction. The opening determines whether readers will continue reading the essay or not. Therefore, you ought to come with a great way to welcome them into reading the paper. For example:

To the law, Bashir was a criminal. But to his mother, a son, and his girlfriend expressed that he was the sweetest boyfriend she ever had. With him executed, his loved ones felt that the law purported to uphold policies couldn't protect its own. Traumatized and even victimized, how would this family ever get consoled?

By reading the above introduction, your audience feels the need to delve deeper into it. Therefore, the transition to your body should connect seamlessly while bringing out your most vital thoughts against the death penalty.

How To Write A Death Penalty Argumentative Essay Thesis

The thesis statement provides a detailed view of what an essay will be discussing. Therefore, your entire essay will be based on expounding on this argument. Since your essay is argumentative, your thesis proclamation should be argumentative too. It should let readers know the side of the argument your paper stands for. For example;

·          Death penalty is a law against humanity.

·          How do you dictate that someone deserves death?

·          Is the death penalty retribution to victims' families?

How to Write a Death Penalty Argumentative Essay Body

The body of an essay should clearly outline your different arguments. Defined by paragraphs, always ensure to sub-divide your viewpoints in the following manner:

·          1 st paragraph- The most crucial reason for objecting death penalty

·          2 nd paragraph- Another vital argument against death penalty

·          3 rd paragraph- The point with the least impact

Although all points are strong, scholars advocate to align thoughts based on impact. This is because, it is easy to lose readers when your paper is poorly structured and formatted.

How To Write A Death Penalty Argumentative Essay Conclusion

The summary of your death penalty argumentative essay should recap your discussions and a stamp for your thesis statement. Ensure you emphasize it, attempting to make readers see your sense. Finally, as you bring the essay to a close, be sure to leave readers with a parting shot or food for thought statement.

We offer an excellent alternative if you still don't feel inspired to tackle the death penalty argumentative essay. Request our professional authors and take advantage of our fantastic deals. You bet you'll submit an impressive assignment worthy of nothing less than an A.

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