Persuasion against Capital Punishment Research Paper

Persuasion against Capital Punishment - Research Paper Example The death penalty or capital punishment presents American society with a myriad of contradictions, which is the terrain of unresolved tensions characterizes the 'moment of terror' (Haney 2005, p. 3). It is declared as a sensitive issue which is prioritized on the human rights agenda and has been declared as the most inhumane act practiced by most of the civilized nations. Research suggests that it is already abolished by 106 countries of which 30 are those that have abolished since the last two decades (Human Rights, 2009).  The concern that arises here is that why so many countries including the United States have swallowed the truth that long-term imprisonment is better than execution. However, there are nations that still believe the effectiveness of death penalty that is proliferated and practiced in many countries throughout the world among which China, Japan, Middle Eastern nations along with the United States are the most prolific executioners in the world. Being a significa nt subject of controversy, this paper discusses the anti-death penalty stance by debating on the execution consequences that often left a dubious mark on the personalities of the innocent after being executed and in this manner, many innocents not only lose their lives but are also labeled as offenders. The death penalty, for many Americans, offers discrimination between minorities and the socially deprived and violates the right of the offender to survive. Pro-capitalists claim that penalty is the tantamount justification for offenders that by proving the principle of retribution, are liable to acquire death instead of imprisonment. However, there are other aspects that are often overlooked while determining the legitimacy of capital punishment. These issues pertain to racial prejudice while raising the concern over the failure of history to justify innocent execution.     Ã‚