“The American Capital Punishment Argument” The American justice system is widely known as the greatest and most trustworthy justice system that ever existed. It is common knowledge in America that everyone has a right to a trial by jury and is innocent until proven guilty. Even though Americans pride themselves on the American justice system, there are still many controversies surrounding it. One of the biggest dilemmas in the system today is whether or not the death penalty should be a legal means of punishment for those who commit horrendous crimes. Before you decide one way or another, examine both sides of this issue. As lawmakers of this country, you have a responsibility to abide by what Americans believe is ethical and fair. You are …show more content…
On the opposing side of the issue, there’s the fact that most people seem to declare the death penalty as unconstitutional. Consider the execution of Joseph Wood, a man who suffered nearly two hours before he took his last breath during his execution in Arizona. Author James Fox discussed Wood in his article entitled, “Death Penalty Now Cruel and Unusual.” In this article, Fox criticizes the fact that the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment but allows the death penalty. Fox is quoted as saying, “the cruelty is becoming very unusual,” referencing the fact that during his execution, Wood was seen gasping for air and painful moans could be heard by the spectators (Fox, par. 1). If the Eighth Amendment to the constitution states that cruel and unusual punishment should not be allowed, why are executions being carried out publicly and legally in this country? The Constitution is the document from which this country was founded. It is the basis of what Americans believe. How can the death penalty can be justified, when there is clearly an amendment to the constitution that prohibits cruel and unusual