Consider two types moral reasoning: Consequentialist and Non-Consequentialist approaches (and the specific theories involved).
Which of these theories, if any, do you find most reasonable, and why?
Provide a clear example to demonstrate your thinking
PLEASE FOLLOW EXAMPLE PROVIDED, THANK YOU
Hello Class,
Within the U.S there are some states that support death penalties such as: Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Florida, and many more (Place & Elfer, 2021). There are many strong arguments and opinions on whether the death penalty should still be used as punishment. First degree murder is considered unlawful killing which is willful and premeditated; meaning that it was planned (FindLaw Staff, 2020).
Personal Narrative
The topic on whether or not death penalty should be a punishment for first degree murder is very controversial. In my opinion, death penalty should not be used as a punishment for first degree murder for two main reasons. Firstly, for those who have committed the crime they are being charged of, death penalty might be an easier escape for them. If someone takes the life of another person, I believe the best punishment shouldn’t be death penalty but instead, make them serve their time and pay the consequences for their actions. In the state of Florida, anyone who commits a premeditated or felony murder is either sentenced to life in prison or death penalty (Hornsby Law Firm, 2020). A person getting life in prison is a lot more of a punishment whereas getting a death penalty seems of an easy way out.
Secondly, there are many incarcerated people who are in jail for crimes they did not commit and surely, there are people being charged for first degree murders which they didn’t commit. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, there has been a total of 185 people who have been executed due to wrongful conviction (Death Penalty Information Center, 2021). Unfortunately, it has been known that there are many people being charged for crimes they did not commit due to the negligence of our justice system.
Conclusion
Overall, death penalty can be seen as an easy way out for many criminals, especially those who don’t care to be alive. There is also a lack of fair justice system which can lead to often convicting people of crimes they did not commit. Data basis show that there have now been 185 people who were sentenced to death penalty wrongfully. Like these 185 people, there are most likely many more. Deciding on whether death penalty should be a sentence has its pro’s and con’s and can be a very controversial topic, as there are people who most likely deserve it just like there are others who are innocent.
Question
Do you think death penalty should be a punishment for other convictions besides first-degree murders? If so, which ones?
References
Death Penalty Information Center. (2021, February 18). DPIC adds eleven cases to innocence list, bringing national death-row exoneration total to 185. https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/news/dpic-adds-eleven-cases-to-innocence-list-bringing-national-death-row-exoneration-total-to-185
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FindLaw Staff. (2020, June 2). First degree murder overview. Findlaw. https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-charges/first-degree-murder-overview.html
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Hornsby Law Firm. (2020, February 25). First degree murder in Florida. https://www.richardhornsby.com/crimes/homicide/first-degree-murder.html
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Place, N., & Elfer, H. (2021, October 7). American death map: Which US states have capital punishment and who uses it the most? The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/death-penalty-us-states-map-b1932960.html
