From 1976 to 1996, the number of executions per year in the United States has increased from 0 to just under 60. The homicide rate per 100,000 population has remained constant at just under 10. A 1995 study of the annual percentage increases in homicide rates in California showed that murders increased 10% a year during 1952 to 1967 when the state was executing people. When the state performed no executions (1968-1991) the average rate of increase was less (4.8%).Canada's homicide rate has dropped 27% since the death penalty was abolished in that country (for ordinary crimes) in 1976. For many years prior to 1976, the federal government had converted each death sentence to life imprisonment.
Supporters think that killing convicted murderers will satisfy them and bring justice. As Edward Koch said, "It is exacting the highest penalty for the taking of human life that we affirm the highest value of human life". We do not see as a penalty but only as a thirst for blood. It lowers the value of human life and brutalizes society. It is based on a need for revenge. By enforcing the capital punishment, we are destroying another precious life which is not a proper way of responding of to those who have wronged us. The family of the prisoner is victimized by having their loved ones murdered by the state. Rather, we should seek allow introspection, reconsideration and rehabilitation.
People murder for a variety of reasons and under many different situations. Usually its from domestic disputes, under the influence of drugs, self-destructive and mentally ill individuals. During domestic disputes and under the influence of drugs, people are not in rational control because they are in rage. The mentally ill or self-destructive individuals represents most of the people who are executed. They are seriously abused during childhood that they had brain damage. Exception to those who committed murder due to accidents, they are not in a rational frame of mind when they kill others. It is useless to expect capital punishment as a deterrent. Also, we cannot assume that all homicides are crazy. Many convicted murderers are found innocent. They can be pardoned, but it is impossible to pardon a dead body. For example:
"In 1987, a study was published by the Stanford Law Review. They found some evidence that suggested that at least 350 people between 1900 and 1985 in America might have been innocent of the crime for which they were convicted, and could have been sentenced to death. 139 were sentenced to death and as many as 23 were executed."
It would be wise to have life in imprisonment" since there will be a chance of saving innocent lives. It is often the court's mistake where they make wrong decisions with lack of evidences. This is where poor people and members of minority groups are targeted because of prejudice and poverty. Defence lawyers are said to be incompetent and poor people often cannot hire competent lawyer because of low pay. It is said that maintenance costs of convicted murderers in permanent incarceration is cheaper than carrying out the law.
Therefore, capital punishment should not be imposed in the society. Death penalty does not deter crime rate nor brings fairness to both victim and the convict. Killing a murderer does not bring his victim back to life. We should focus how and why the murder was made, and try to prevent further crimes. The state should safeguard children from abuses and shield those who suffer mental illness. Reinforcing police force and reducing the coarse effects of mass media can reduce crime. Killing people is not right
Works Cited
Robinson, Bruce. Capital punishment; The Death Penalty All points of view. 8 Dec.
1995. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 19 sept. 2005 <>.
Basic reasons: Pros and Anti. 8 Dec. 1995. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 19 sept. 2005 <>.
Support and Oppositions. 8 Dec. 1995. Ontario Consultants on Religious Tolerance. 19 sept. 2005 <>.
