Death Penalty Argumentative Essay Example

The death penalty is one of the most controversial topics in modern society. It has been at the center of heated debates for decades, with both sides passionately arguing why they believe it should or shouldn’t be used as a form of punishment. While it is clear that there are strong arguments on both sides, this essay will focus on why capital punishment should be abolished and argue against its use in all cases.

A good argumentative essay should explore various aspects surrounding the death penalty including moral and ethical implications, its effectiveness as a deterrent to crime, and international trends towards abolition. Additionally, the long-term psychological effects on victims' families will also be discussed to demonstrate why capital punishment should not be an option for any criminal justice system. Finally, alternative forms of punishment that could replace the death penalty will also be explored.

Why death penalty topic is important and controversial?

The death penalty is one of the most controversial topics in modern society. It has been debated for centuries as to whether it should be abolished or not, and it is a topic that still stirs up strong emotions on both sides of the argument. On one side, there are those who believe it serves as an effective deterrent to crime while on the other side, there are those who feel that it violates basic human rights and is morally wrong. This makes the topic highly important and controversial as it involves difficult questions of morality and justice.

What moral/ethical considerations surround this topic?

The topic of the death penalty or capital punishment is surrounded by various moral and ethical considerations. One of the most significant concerns is the possibility of cruel and unusual punishment, especially when it comes to the method of execution, such as lethal injection. Another ethical issue is the risk of putting an innocent person to death, which is a real concern despite the legal process and death penalty laws in place to prevent such occurrences. The decision to impose the ultimate punishment of death should also consider the severity of the crime committed, such as heinous crimes, and whether there is solid and conclusive evidence to support the death penalty cases. Ultimately, human life is at the center of this debate, and moral and ethical considerations must be taken seriously to ensure that justice is served fairly and justly.

One of the main moral/ethical considerations surrounding capital punishment is whether or not it can be considered cruel and unusual punishment. According to many religious groups, the death penalty is seen as immoral and a violation of basic human rights. There are also arguments that suggest it fails to address the underlying issues that lead to criminal behavior in the first place. Additionally, there are concerns about whether or not capital punishment actually serves as an effective deterrent to crime and if it has been unfairly applied to certain groups.

History and Use of the Death Penalty

The death penalty has been used as a form of punishment for centuries, with the first known use being in the Code of King Hammurabi in Babylon in 1750 BC. Throughout history, it has been used to punish a wide range of offenses including treason, murder, rape, and other violent crimes. It was also used in some societies as a form of punishment for dissent and political opposition. In more recent times, though, its use has become controversial due to questions about its effectiveness as a deterrent and the moral implications surrounding taking away someone's life.

In the United States, the Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was not unconstitutional in 1976 and then it has been implemented by 31 states and is applied to federal crimes such as terrorism. At present, there have been 1,527 executions since 1976 with Texas having the highest number at 543 executions followed by Virginia with 113 executions. However, this is only a small fraction compared to other countries such as China where it is believed that thousands are executed every year without trial or due process of law.

The international trend towards abolition has also increased significantly over time with more than 140 countries eliminating the death penalty either by practice or law. In addition to this growing trend towards abolishing capital punishment worldwide, several studies have found that it does not act as a significant deterrent for crime when compared to alternative forms of punishment such as life imprisonment without parole. These findings suggest that capital punishment should no longer be an option for any criminal justice system.

Writing an Effective Argumentative Essay

When writing an argumentative essay on the death penalty, it is important to have a clear thesis statement that presents your overall position. This should be supported by evidence and examples from reliable sources such as government reports, academic studies, or newspaper articles. It is also important to consider the opposing viewpoint and address any counterarguments in your paper. Finally, you should make sure to end the essay with a conclusion that summarizes the main points of your argument and provides an effective call to action for readers.

By discussing all aspects of this highly controversial topic including its history, moral implications, effectiveness as a deterrent, and the international trend toward abolishment - we can come to the conclusion that capital punishment should no longer be used in any criminal justice system.

Above all, it is important to remember that everyone has the right to life and no one should be denied this basic human right regardless of the crime they may have committed. Therefore, it is essential that we work towards ending the use of capital punishment worldwide and instead focus on alternative forms of justice that can provide equal treatment for all offenders.

By taking these steps, we can ensure a more humane and just criminal justice system in our world today.

Choosing a stance

When it comes to the death penalty, you can have three different stances. You can be pro-death penalty, meaning that you think it is okay and should be used as a form of punishment. You could also be against the death penalty and think it should not be used at all. Or, you could take a more nuanced position where you don’t think it should always be used but accept that there might be some cases where it is necessary.

Why the stance is important?

When writing an effective argumentative essay, it is crucial to choose a clear and focused stance. A well-defined position allows the writer to present their arguments in a comprehensive and structured manner which can help persuade readers to agree with the main points of the essay. When choosing a stance, it is important to consider all aspects of the issue and be open to consider both sides of the argument. Taking a nuanced position where you neither completely agree nor disagree with both sides can also be beneficial as it allows for an open discussion on different details of the topic.

In addition, having a focused stance also helps create higher semantic richness in your writing by allowing you to delve deeper into specific aspects of an issue. For example, when writing about the death penalty, one could focus on discussing its history or moral implications instead of just providing a general overview of its usage worldwide. This type of detailed analysis can provide more value and insight into an argument which can better inform readers about its importance and implications.

Overall, taking a clear stance on an issue is essential for producing an effective argumentative essay. By narrowing down your position and going into more depth about specific aspects of the topic at hand, you can ensure that your essay captures readers attention and presents your views in a compelling way.

Conducting research

It is important to do research before writing an essay. Research can help you understand the topic better and find evidence that supports your opinion. It is also important to consider the other side of the argument and think about what people who disagree with you might say. Doing research helps make sure that your essay is accurate and convincing.

Choosing the sources

When writing an argumentative essay, it is essential to have reliable sources of information that can support your point-of-view. Academic articles and books are great resources for gathering information as they are written by experts in the field and contain detailed facts and data about a particular subject. These types of sources offer more in-depth analysis which can help bolster any claims made in your essay.

In addition, news articles from reputable outlets or government reports can also be accessed when researching a topic. News articles provide up-to-date information on current events which can be useful for understanding the implications of certain policies or how a particular issue is being handled in society. Government reports can likewise be helpful as they often contain relevant statistics and research conducted by official bodies which allow for further exploration into a topic’s history and current state.

When using these sources it is important to make sure that the information you use is accurate and unbiased. Reading multiple sources from different perspectives will ensure that you are well informed before forming an opinion on a matter. Ultimately, having access to quality research materials can provide more value to your argument while helping readers better understand the importance of your point-of-view.

Developing an argument

When crafting an effective argumentative essay, it is essential to develop a strong and coherent argument that supports the chosen stance. A well-constructed argument will include relevant facts and data which can help persuade readers to agree with the main points of the essay. This can be accomplished by providing specific evidence for each claim made in the essay.

For example, if one is arguing for raising the minimum wage, they could use economic data to illustrate how increasing wages would benefit workers and reduce poverty levels. Incorporating this type of evidence into an argument can help strengthen its credibility as readers are presented with concrete facts which support why raising the minimum wage is important.

In addition to providing evidence, it is also important to consider counterarguments and address any potential weaknesses in one’s own position. Doing so allows writers to anticipate any objections readers may have and provide them with detailed explanations or alternative solutions that could overcome these objections. For instance, if someone were advocating for stricter gun laws, they could acknowledge potential drawbacks such as increased costs and then explain ways these costs could be offset by other benefits such as reduced crime rates and a greater sense of security among citizens.

Developing a strong and coherent argument that supports a chosen stance helps create higher semantic richness in an essay which can better inform readers about its importance and implications. With this type of persuasive writing, audiences will be able to better understand why certain issues should be taken seriously and what measures need to be taken in order to resolve them effectively.

Writing the essay

Writing an essay is a creative process that requires focus and dedication. While it can be challenging, taking the time to break down your ideas into manageable pieces will make the task easier. To write a successful essay, start with an engaging introduction that sets up your argument or main point of view. Then move on to developing body paragraphs that provide evidence and analysis in support of your thesis statement. Finally, end with a strong conclusion paragraph summarizing what you’ve already discussed and restating your argument for emphasis. With these tips in mind, you should have no problem crafting an effective and persuasive essay!

Why you should hire a professional argumentative writer?

Hiring a professional argumentative writer can give one’s essay that extra edge it needs to stand out and make an impact on readers. Professional writers are well-versed in the art of persuasive writing and have the expertise to craft effective arguments that help convince readers of their chosen stance.

Moreover, they can provide valuable advice and insights into how to structure an essay for maximum effect, as well as how to incorporate evidence and analysis into each point effectively. Furthermore, these writers will be able to proofread your work and make sure it is free from errors that could potentially undermine its overall quality. In short, hiring a professional argumentative writer can go a long way toward helping you create an engaging piece of writing which effectively conveys your message and leaves a lasting impression.

Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not hiring a professional argumentative writer is worth their time and money. However, for those who are serious about making an impact with their writing, investing in the help of a qualified expert can be an invaluable asset that greatly enhances one’s chances of success.

Conclusion

Overall, effective argumentative writing requires careful thought and consideration in order to develop a strong and coherent argument that effectively communicates one’s chosen stance. By utilizing the tips mentioned above and considering the services of a professional argumentative writer, individuals will be able to confidently pursue their essay-writing goals and create persuasive pieces which successfully engage readers. With these strategies in place, writing a successful and compelling argumentative essay can be a breeze.

Example of Death Penalty Essay from Our Experts

Death Penalty

The death penalty is a type of punishment people receive for different crimes and illegal actions in the country. Capital punishment was widely used and accepted in the past punishing people and at the same time reducing the crime rates in society. However, the situation is different in the modern world, as the majority of countries abolished the death penalty completely, though a great number of countries still apply capital punishment for different types of crimes. Personally, I support the idea that the death penalty is wrong, though it may be applied under some circumstances.

The crime rate is rather high in different countries, but many nations find ways to avoid using the death penalty replacing it with life imprisonment or any other type of punishment. The rest of life spent in prison is also a terrible form of punishment for people, as they should live there alone with their thoughts and broken hopes. However, the death penalty might be applied for serial murders or rapes, especially of young children. Individuals who killed several individuals could give their life compensating the innocent souls and broken lives. 

Killing is morally wrong, and the death penalty is also wrong, but it may be the proper way to stop serial crimes in the community, as people may be afraid of such a terrible form of punishment. The death penalty is rather a controversial issue in the community, as it both may be considered a form of justice punishing people for criminal behavior, and legalized murder changes people’s attitudes toward the state’s decisions and choices. I do not consider the death penalty morally acceptable, but I would probably vote for it only for the most serious and serial crimes, as there should be a line people cannot cross.

Surely all people want to live, but if they take numerous lives of innocent children and adults, they should also die, as this at least helps parents, relatives, and friends of the dead persons to feel some kind of relief that the murderer is also dead. Gottfried (2002) stated that “life imprisonment too often does not remove the danger of murderers killing again” (p. 39). In fact, criminals may show violence and try to kill their guards or fellow prisoners doing much harm even in prison. That is why the death penalty may not only punish the criminal fairly but also escape future possible problems and concerns.

People have no authority to decide who should live and who should die, but there should be special circumstances for the application of the death penalty. Death penalty surely imposes a threat on the community helping to reduce the crime rate in the community and stabilize people’s life inspiring much confidence and security on their part. Guernsey (2009) stated that “when criminals knew they would not be executed for their crimes, they committed many more murders” (p. 57). The application of the death penalty will help to shape people’s minds and future behaviors.

The death penalty was a form of a message to other criminals forcing them to feel the threat from the government and the power of law. Murder and rape rates might drop significantly through the application of the death penalty for serial murders and rapes, and the role of the government is rather high in this field evaluating the reasons for and against this type of punishment. Modern society is surely more civilized, and the death penalty may be considered an issue from the past, but if this is the only way to stop crimes and save the lives of innocent persons, the government and criminal justice should apply this punishment to promote happier lives in the community.

Due to the fact that the debate concerning the use of the death penalty will continue for a long period of time, there are always persons supporting and opposing certain decisions and choices, as well as the death penalty. The application of the death penalty should be properly evaluated and analyzed in the country helping people to make proper choices and decisions in their life. Each person has the moral right to live, and the death penalty violates people’s rights and freedoms in this connection affecting the whole system of moral and ethical laws and issues. 

Besides, the application of the death penalty toward representatives of certain cultural or ethnic groups may bring the additional problem of discrimination. Stearman (2007) stated that “the lack of objective, measurable standards ensures that the application of the death penalty will be discriminatory against racial, gender, and ethnic groups” (p. 5). People should simply understand these issues properly escaping additional challenges and troubles causing numerous conflicts and debates in the community. The death penalty is not surely a way out to the criminal situation in the country, but it helps to threaten the criminal community reducing the rate of serious crimes.

Many people living worldwide consider the death penalty a cruel way of treating people, and no one thinks about the idea that criminals are cruel themselves and deserve the same kind of treatment in the community. Every crime should be punished, and the type of punishment should depend on the nature and cruelty of the crime, as the death penalty is not applicable for thefts or larceny. Modern individuals should feel the difference, and the proper understanding and evaluation of the problem will help to shape their opinions and ideas concerning capital punishment properly.

People do not have such strict opposition to life imprisonment, though this is also cruel to let the person spend the rest of his/her life in prison and die there. The majority of European countries abolished the death penalty completely and for all kinds of offenses, but there are still people living in those countries who reject this abolition. Criminals fear nothing in the legal setting in such countries and can kill and rape freely simply by spending some time in prison. Bedau & Cassell (2005) stated that in Britain, “about two-thirds to three-quarters of the public support the death penalty” (p. 200). 

Individuals are different, as well as people’s ideas and opinions on the death penalty, but there should be a legally-acceptable course of its application to specific crimes. According to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, there are certain provisions concerning the application of the death penalty used only for the most serious crimes. Schabas (1996) stated that the death penalty should be excluded “in the case of crimes committed by persons under the age of eighteen and for pregnant women” (p. 30). 

Criminals are also people who can make occasional mistakes and behave improperly, and this is the major reason to consider each case individually evaluating the evidence and the nature of the crime in order to choose the proper punishment correctly. However, serial crimes are not made by mistake, as people cruelly kill several individuals and should be punished properly for such acts, and the death penalty is the proper punishment for such criminals. The death penalty may help to reduce the crime rates in the community securing people and inspiring stability and safety on the part of the population.