Capital Punishment Vs Life In Prison

Capital Punishment Vs Life in Prison

      In the United States crime is a serious problem. There are many controversial reactions when it comes to the form of punishment for certain crimes. There are many people who have mixed feelings about capital punishment.   There have been many arguments made when it comes to the death penalty, such as is it morally wrong, the cost, and if in fact it deters crime.   Many people believe that life in prison is a better alternative than the death penalty. What people may not know is that with life in prison there is still a chance that prisoners can still be release. Even though it cost more to put someone to death than to sentence them to life without parole, capital punishment saves lives by permanently keeping murderers out of the streets, prevents future murders, and protects society from dangerous criminals.

      The meaning of capital punishment is to sentence someone to death for a crime that they have committed. It is normally reserved for those who commit first degree murder. Since 2007 six states have expanded the crimes in which capital punishment is considered. Some of these crimes now include child molestation, accomplices to murder, and the murder of judges and witnesses of a trial.

      At this moment there are 36 states that have the death penalty as a sentencing option. Each state has different crimes that are punishable by death. For example in Oklahoma rape or forcible sodomy of a victim under 14 where the defendant a had a prior conviction of sexual abuse can be sentenced to death. Another example is Montana which will sentence someone to death for a second conviction for sexual intercourse without consent accompanied by serious bodily injury. (Death Penalty Information Center.com) In addition there are currently 14 states that do not impose the death penalty. Some of these states include New Jersey and New York.

      This graph will show how many executions have taken place in the United States...