Why We Need The Death Penalty
... It is in place to provide for a penalty that is both congruent and justified in comparison to the crime that is committed. Those opposed to this form of sentence will point to the possibilities that an innocent person will be put to death or that it is simply cruel and unusual. ... Putting someone to death for their crimes against humanity has been a part of our society for thousands of years. The methods of execution have improved and the legal processes leading up to death have become so just that each death row inmate is given at least eight chances at appeal. The penalty should match the crime and not undermine the severity of punishment, nor be so rigorous that it overshadows the crime committed. Murder is an atrocious act deserving of the highest penalty available. The death penalty provides for a punishment that is fitting of the crime. ... Those morally opposed suggest that putting someone to death for these crimes is cruel and unusual punishment. ... Further, the definition of cruel and unusual punishment under the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution stipulates that any penalty that outweighs the crime committed is considered to be cruel and unusual. Putting a person to death for theft, embezzlement, rape which does not lead to death or even involuntary manslaughter would definitely be considered to be cruel and unusual.