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Death Penalty In America Essay

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The death penalty has been implemented into the justice system of America since the birth of the country. Although being very controversial in today’s society, it has claimed itself to be the ultimate and most extreme punishment. Many countries today are currently eradicating this procedure. On the other hand, America allows about four fifths of its total fifty states to practice laws regarding the death penalty. “A majority of Americans—60 percent, according to a June ABC News/Washington Post poll—support capital punishment” (Nora caplan-Bricker). “Today, 38 states and the federal government have death-penalty laws. These laws apply only to first-degree murders, those done with deliberation and calculation. Only 12 states do not have capital punishment (Alaska, Hawaii, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wisconsin)”(CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION (15:2)). The United States is required, and is using the death penalty more than ever due to the increased rate of violent criminal actions. However this is misemployed and wrong. Since 1990 more than 352 people have been put to death with another 3,300 in waiting on death row. “Today, the death penalty seems firmly entrenched in the United States. In 1997, 74 executions took place. About 3,300 prisoners are currently on death rows, waiting out their appeals”(CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS FOUNDATION (15:2)). …show more content…

The outcomes of the cases are most likely defined by the standard of the lawyer defending the defendant. Most of these criminals may not be able to afford a credible lawyer, resulting in a higher chance of that person being subjected to the death penalty. A fine line divides the charges of life in prison and the death penalty. A defendant that cannot afford a proficient lawyer stands more of a change receiving the death penalty opposed to life in

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