Death Row in America. Easily one of the most contentious topics of our lives. There are many ethical considerations to take into account regarding Death Row and capital punishment in America. The Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University published a report, where it was stated that “about 2,000 men, women, and teenagers currently wait on America’s ‘death row.’” The reason why it takes so long to hold a verdict when it comes to the status of a criminal on Death Row is because of the court system that is currently in place. Does capital punishment come from wanting to help the population, by holding criminals accountable for their actions through death? Or is it deeper than that, perhaps something more cruel.
“Capital punishment is often defended on the grounds that society has a moral obligation to protect the safety and welfare of its citizens. Murderers threaten this safety and welfare. Only by putting murderers to death can society ensure that convicted killers do not kill again.” Therefore, some may argue that capital punishment is a proper solution towards holding criminals accountable for their misdeeds.
“The case against capital punishment is often made on the basis that society has a moral obligation to protect human life, not take it. The taking of human life is permissible only if it is a necessary condition to achieving the greatest balance of good over evil for everyone involved. Given the value we place on life and our obligation to minimize suffering and pain whenever possible, if a less severe alternative to the death penalty exists which would accomplish the same goal, we are duty-bound to reject the death penalty in favor of the less severe alternative.” Therefore, some people believe that, no matter what, life should not be taken away.
Works Cited:“Capital Punishment: Our Duty or Our Doom?” Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University, Nov. 16th 2015, https://www.scu.edu/ethics/focus-areas/more-focus-areas/resources/capital-punishment-our-duty-or-our-doom/.
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