Death Sentence, Research Paper Example

Introduction

The criminal justice issue that has been selected in this paper is death penalty. Death penalty is also referred to as capital punishment and it implies to a planned as well as pre-mediated denial of life from an individual by agencies of government as a result of committing a crime. Death penalty is one of the ways used in the justice system in an effort to reduce crime. Although it might reduce crime, it is counterproductive as it fails to provide all the people with justice. The theories of death penalty do not seem to explain the real reason why death penalty should be imposed over the life sentence. Life sentence can achieve all the objectives of death penalty but in a more ethical manner, giving those who were unfairly treated an opportunity to appeal. The following questionnaire is intended to solicit public views on the effectiveness of death penalty as a means of deterring crime.

What is your understanding about death sentence?

Do you believe that death sentence is used on people who have intentions of antagonizing incumbent presidents in most countries?

1. Yes ____
2. No ____

When was the last time you heard that someone was executed?

Does death penalty create deterrence in the entire society but not to the person who   is responsible for the crime?

3. Yes ____
4. No ____

Which one among the following is not a capital offence to earn one death sentence?

• Drug trafficking
• Attempted Coup
• Robbery with violence
• Fighting at school

Is death sentence important in reducing the level of crime?

1. Yes_____
2. No _____

Why do you think about death penalty being discouraged and instead be replaced by another form of punishment like life sentence?

There are various theories that are used to justify the existence of death sentence in the world. Identify one which is not used to explain why some nations are still supporting death penalty.

• Deterrence
• Capitalis
• Retribution
• Incapacitation

Why do you think rich people rarely get death sentence as opposed to poor people? Do you think lack of money to hire very competent lawyers is the reason?

Are there any organisations that are opposed to death sentence and are advocating for abolishing of death penalty? .If any name therm?

In your own understanding about death sentence, tick the appropriate box on the given scale.

Do you agree that death penalty should not be imposed on mentally ill persons?

Yes___

No ___

References

Bledsoe, J., (1998), Death sentence: the true story of Velma Barfield’s life, crimes,           and execution. Virginia: Penguin Group.

Philbin, T., (2009). Death Sentence. Chicago: Fawcett Gold Medal

Jackson, Jesse L. Sr., Jesse L. Jackson Jr., and Bruce Shapiro. Legal Lynching:The Death Penalty and America’s Future.

Bedau, A.,. (2007). Death is different: studies in the morality, law, and politics of death