What are the pros and cons to the death penalty?
The death penalty is a very controversial topic in the United States and is hotly debated by experts in the field. Key arguments for maintaining the death penalty include punishment, deterrence, and the fact that the death penalty is less expensive than life in prison. Key arguments for abolishing the death penalty include the fear that an innocent person will be executed; it is not a deterrent to crime; and there is no humane method of putting someone to death. The deterrence question is the most controversial. For additional information on deterrence studies, see Deterrence: Comparing States With and Without the Death Penalty (Death Penalty Information Center). Pro. Punishment or retribution is often cited as the main reason for imposing the death penalty. Proponents of the death penalty believe that justice has been served when someone is put to death for committing murder with aggravating circumstances. They believe that capital punishment permanently removes the worst criminals fr
