The death Penalty is an issue that is quite divided throughout the United States. While there are many supporters, there are also large quantities that oppose it. There are currently eighteen states that have abolished the death penalty and thirty two states in which it is still legal ( Death Penalty Information Center).
Capital punishment is simply an act of violence and there is nothing more inhumane that tolerating the killing of another human. The proper way to approach violence is not to impose more violence.North Carolina should abolish the death penalty as a means of punishment because it is unconstitutional, irreversible, and disadvantages are imposed to those of low income. Capital punishment is truly unconstitutional. During the case Gregg v. Georgia, Troy Leon Gregg and other inmates claimed that a death sentence was a violation of the eighth amendment to the United States Constitution.
In this amendment cruel and unusual punishment is prevented. Execution is simply a cruel and unusual punishment and therefore it violates the constitution. Also in the case of Furman v. Georgia, Furman expressed that he was not being granted “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” as awarded in the 14th Amendment of the U.
S. Constitution.Many may argue that the Death penalty is not unconstitutional but it directly violates the rights listed in the amendments. The death penalty is a process that is irreversible. Once it is enforced it cannot be taken back.
In the past, there have always been cases where tragic mistakes happen. For example in 2004, the state of Texas executed Cameron Todd Willingham for starting the fire that killed his family.His conviction was due to flawed science proven by the Forensic Science Commission. There is always a possibility that a person who is on death row may be innocent. A study by Bruce Robinson in 2002 showed that at least 350 people between 1900 and 1985 were innocent for the crime for which they were convicted, and could have been sentenced to death. There are flaws in every criminal justice system and we have adopted a system where only those who can afford the best lawyers can be fairly represented in court.
Capital defense is now a field requiring a successful mind to negotiate the punishment. Therefore it is not surprising that most people who are in jail are those living below the poverty level and have no means to pay for a decent, well trained lawyer. On the other hand, those who are financially stable can hire skilled lawyers that can defend them adequately. In justice systems the accused is in the hands of the judge so any misstep along the way can literally mean death for a person.As stated before North Carolina should abolish the death penalty as a means of punishment because it is unconstitutional, irreversible, and disadvantages are imposed to those of low income. Capital punishment is sincerely an act of violence and there is nothing of greater unkindness.
Violence should not to be controlled by more violence. The constitution exists to create a safe environment that protects civil rights. Allowing the death penalty and knowing it affects many innocent or less privilege people is frankly cruel.
