The death penalty is supported by many due to its relativity to religion, the emotional release it provides, and the fact that it eliminates the opportunity to relapse into criminal activity.

        By holding criminals responsible of their actions, it is believed that they will not return to their wicked ways. The death penalty is a large factor when it comes to eliminating recidivism. Recidivism takes place when a criminal returns to their old habits instead of conforming to a new lifestyle after punishment takes place. Sadly, this is the case much of the time. Many prisoners and inmates do not know how to transfer to a new way of life no matter how horribly disciplined they were. It is extremely difficult to do this for some, and, for others, it seems to be out of the question. Not every criminal wants to change for the better, whether or not it results in the death penalty. The death penalty keeps society from having to deal with former murderers and major law breakers. Sometimes they wish to not even have to deal with themselves.

        The death penalty is not just for the government. It lifts burdens. A number of inmates would rather be put to death than incarcerated for their entire lives in complete solitude. The families of these inmates on death row along with the victim’s families seem to need the emotional release as well. It puts a toll on everyone that is involved when a person is sitting in prison waiting to be killed, whether they are for or against the idea. Sometimes, prisoners may wait for up to thirty years before getting their sentence, and, by this time, most are emotionally drained and prepared for what awaits them. After the procedure takes place things are put to rest. There is no more worrying about what is to come, because it is all over and done with. Life can move on for the victim’s family and the criminal’s.

        The death penalty is a positive thing in the eyes of many. It is not a simple idea, and it is not one that we particularly enjoy dealing with, but it has to be done. After it is over, people are at ease. It settles many minds by knowing that a criminal cannot relapse into old ways and that they have been punished rightfully. Especially for the victim’s family, things need to put to rest. That is exactly what the death penalty does.