The death penalty is the most controversial penal practice in the modern world Other harsh, physical forms of criminal punishment—referred to as corporal punishment—have generally been eliminated in modern times as uncivilized and unnecessary (Steven, 2002). In the majority of countries, contemporary methods of punishment—such as imprisonment or fines—no longer involve the infliction of physical pain (see Corporal Punishment). Although imprisonment and fines are universally recognized as necessary to the control of crime, the nations of the world are split on the issue of capital punishment. About 80 nations have abolished the death penalty and an almost equal number of nations (most of which are developing countries) retain it.
Death penalty abuses the lawful interdict on cruel and unusual punishment, is administered arbitrarily and unfairly, and fails to deter crime or improve public safety. It is said that Justice must always be preferred to equality but is this notion considered practically?
- The death penalty is racist.
- The death penalty punishes the poor.
- The death penalty condemns the innocent to die.
- The death penalty is not a deterrent against violent crime.
- The death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment.
There is certain indication about the way in which the death penalty is applied is grossly unfair and discriminatory. There is a double standard for every thing in this society even law sees rich and poor too. The facts of the crime don’t assist to predict whether or not some will sentenced to death. It is the quality of legal representation that is a much better predictor. But the quality of legal representation depends on whether or not one can hire a lawyer (Steven, 2002).
Therefore justice is not in reach of poor because almost all the people on death row do not.......
