I have to write a written project in APA style attached is the outline and example our the paper you should follow. The Topic of my written project is "Global Warming" no more than 8 pages including
Running head: Death Penalty
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Death Penalty
The death penalty is currently legal and carried out in 29 states as the most severe form of
punishment, with lethal injection being the primary method of execution (“States and Capital
Punishment,” 2019). Since the 1970s, there have been nearly 1,500 executions of convicted
murderers in the United States. However, since that time more than 160 death row inmates have
been exonerated with evidence of their innocence (“Innocence,” 2019). Proponents and
opponents of the death penalty both share the belief that we should be protecting the well-being
of the people and those who commit criminal offenses should be punished and answer for their
crime. The imposed “punishment” and whether the death penalty should be implemented,
however, has been and continues to be highly debated (Walker, 2008).
I. Views of the Proponents:
The death penalty is a deterrent and the most efficient way to prevent others from
committing capital murder. Dr. Isaac Ehrlich, for example, conducted a cost-benefit
examination in the 1970s with statistical findings that showed for every death row inmate who
was sentenced to death and executed, about eight unsuspecting victims were saved (Haag &
Conrad, 1983). Ernest Van den Haag, reputable author, sociologist, and Professor at Fordham
University was a strong supporter of the death penalty, believed it prevented others from
murdering, and that it was more effective than a sentence of life in prison (Haag & Conrad,
1983). Proponents believe that all people view committing a crime (such as murder) the same
way they would an opportunity - they would weigh the benefits versus the consequences before
doing so (Haag, 1991).
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According to a Pew Research Center survey conducted in 2018, more than half the
American population are in full support of capital punishment and any alternative punishments
would diminish the value we are placing on life. The death penalty is the best and only way to
bring total justice and closure to victims and their families. Vicki Haack’s sister, Lisa, was
brutally murdered in her home. Her murderer was convicted and sentenced to death. Vicki was
there, in person, for his execution. It did not bring back her sister and she was no longer holding
hatred or anger, yet she still felt her sister needed justice and her murderer needed to die to pay
the price for his crime (“The Place for Vengeance,” 1997). Plain and simple, “eye for an eye” is
only fair and they all deserve it (“Eye for an Eye,” 2014).
I. Views of the Opponents:
There is the very high possibility of convicting, sentencing, and executing an innocent
person. According to the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC), since 1973 there have been
between 150 - 200 death row inmates released with clear evidence of their innocence in the
United States. There is a strong possibility that there have been many innocent people already
executed, although the exact number, for obvious reasons, is hard to specify.
The cost of executions is much more costly than a life in prison sentence. The United
States has spent billions since the reinstatement of the death penalty in the 1970s (Garrett,
2017). The cost of representation depends highly on whether the prosecuting attorney seeks the
death penalty. Cases with the death penalty on the table are much more costly. In a sample study
of a time period from 1991-1997, for example, representation alone for federal death penalty
cases cost almost four times the cost of representation where the death penalty was not sought
(Spencer, Cauthron, Edmunds, 1998). In Texas, the state with highest amount of executions, the
Running head: Death Penalty
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death penalty punishment is still much more costly (three times) than incarcerating an inmate in
maximum security for as long as forty years (“Facts about the Death Penalty,” 2019).
The death penalty also violates moral beliefs for many religious identities. Pope Francis,
for example, has strongly and publicly condemned the death penalty and called for its
abolishment in the United States. The belief is even the worst of criminals, convicted murderers,
can be rehabilitated. They can change and they should not be deprived of that opportunity, even
if they have taken another’s life (Montagna, 2018).
II. Analysis of the Views of the Proponents:
1. What are the issue and conclusion?
The issue is whether the death penalty is an appropriate form of punishment. The conclusion is
yes, it is.
2. What are the Reasons?
The reasons are the death penalty is a deterrent, it gives victims and families justice as well as
closure, and convicted murderers deserve execution.
3. What words or phrases are ambiguous?
Pay the price. Eye for an eye.
4. What are the value conflicts and assumptions?
Justice vs Fair trial, Order vs Human life. Assumptions being made are that the death penalty
will indeed prevent others from committing murder, the death penalty is the best form of justice,
all victim’s loved ones view the death penalty as the ultimate form of justice, and all people
actually think about the consequences before committing murder.
5. What are the descriptive assumptions?
The descriptive assumptions are that our justice system in not flawed and every person
convicted of murder is guilty.
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6. Are there Fallacies in the reasoning?
Emotional Language: Vicki Haack’s sister, Lisa, was brutally murdered in her home. Appeal to
Questionable Authority: Ernest Van den Haag, reputable author, sociologist, and Professor was a
strong supporter of the death penalty. False Dilemma: American population are in full support
of capital punishment and any alternative punishments would diminish the value we are placing
on life.
7. How good is the evidence supporting the views and arguments of the proponents?
The evidence for all reasons could easily be debated. Regarding justice for victims, for example
– opponents have not said they do not agree with justice for victims. They just believe there are
alternative ways of obtaining justice. Also, by saying everyone convicted of murder deserves
the death penalty, we are implying that innocent people haven’t been convicted – there is
evidence that refutes that. Regarding Dr. Ehrlich’s analysis – this was biased and poorly
constructed.
8. Are there Rival Causes?
Other possible causes for this specific analysis is that it was set up intentionally to prove the
death penalty is a deterrent. The cause could be deceit.
9. Are the statistics deceptive?
Dr. Ehrlich’s study was based on a cost-benefit analysis. We are relying on Dr. Ehrlich’s sole
opinion and assumptions as the basis. Also, the majority population being in full support of the
death penalty could be based on false pretenses - society not having accurate statistics. Seems
like a poorly conducted analysis.
10. What information is omitted?
Other possible variables, including other time periods are omitted in Dr. Ehrlich’s study.
Additional studies regarding the death penalty are omitted as many studies have supported the
opposing side as well.
11. What conclusions are possible?
An alternative conclusion is that the number of convicted murderers executed has zero effect on
the future statistics of murders committed; the death penalty does not deter and has not been
proven.
II. Analysis of the Views of the Opponents
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1. What are the Issue and Conclusion?
The issue is whether the death penalty is an appropriate form of punishment. The conclusion is
no, it is not.
2. What are the Reasons?
The reasons are there is the possibility of executing an innocent person, the death penalty is
expensive - costing more than any other punishment, and the death penalty violates the moral
and religious beliefs of many people.
3. What words or phrases are ambiguous?
For obvious reasons.
4. What are the value conflicts and assumptions?
Justice vs Fair trial. Law vs Human life. Assumptions being made are there is a strong possibility
that there have been many innocent people already executed and convicted murderers can be
rehabilitated.
5. What are the descriptive assumptions?
The descriptive assumption is our our justice system is flawed.
6. Are there Fallacies in the reasoning?
Appeal to Questionable Authority: Pope Francis, for example, has strongly and publicly
condemned the death penalty.
7. How good is the evidence supporting the views and arguments of the opponents?
Fair with statistical evidence regarding number of innocent people exonerated from death row.
8. Are there Rival Causes?
Regarding the cost of the death penalty, another cause is the appeals process being costly.
9. Are the statistics deceptive?
I do not believe so. However, we do not have an accurate way of determining how many
innocent people have been executed.
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10. What information is omitted?
A clear breakdown of all costs incurred by the death penalty. Statistics on religious groups who
are for the death penalty or where religion is not a factor.
11. What conclusions are possible?
With the stated reasons and evidence, I do not see alternative conclusions.
III. Arguments:
1. Based on credible and proven evidence, I am in full belief that there is a very
high possibility of executing an innocent person and therefor the death penalty is not
an appropriate form of punishment. According to a “survival analysis” conducted by
the National Academy of Sciences, if all death row inmates in the United States
remained incarcerated, at the very least - 1 in 25 would be exonerated with evidence
of their innocence. These findings can only make one wonder how many innocent
people on death row are still sitting in prison? How many with the possibility of
execution looming over them? How many innocent people have already been
executed for a crime they did not commit? With many doubts and unanswered
questions, the risk of taking an innocent life should not be taken lightly. Until we
can guarantee a perfect justice system where no innocent people are sentenced to
death, I must oppose the death penalty.
2. Proponents of the death penalty believe it serves as a deterrent. This has
been proven to not be the case. There is not much evidence and/or statistical
findings that accurately prove the death penalty is a deterrent. Ehrlich’s
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analysis for example was extremely flawed. There were no additional variables,
it was based on one time period (when this time period changed, the outcome
changed), he was biased, and the experiment was based on the assumptions of
Ehrlich. In fact, Peter Passel and John Taylor from the Milken Institute
concluded that Ehrlich’s findings were based off a time period from 1963-1969
where the murder rate briefly rose. This was highly deceptive as Ehrlich was
aware of the influence of the chosen time period (Donohue & Wolfers, 2006).
References
ACTING SWIFTLY. (1997). Retrieved from http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/vengeance.htm
Donohue, John & J Wolfers, Justin. (2007). The Death Penalty: No Evidence for
Deterrence. The Economists' Voice. Retrieved from https://files.deathpenaltyinfo.org/legacy/
files/pdf/DonohueDeter.pdf
Facts about the Death Penalty (Rep.). (2009). Retrieved
https://files.deathpenaltyinfo.org/documents/pdf/FactSheet.f1562867044.pdf
Gross, S. R., O’Brien, B., Hu, C., & Kennedy, E. H. (2014, May 20). Rate of false conviction of
criminal defendants who are sentenced to death. Retrieved from https://www.pnas.org/content/
111/20/7230
Haag, E. V., & Conrad, J. P. (1986). The death penalty: A debate. New York: Plenum Press.
Haag, E. V. (1991). Punishing criminals: Concerning a very old and painful question. Lanham,
Md: University Press of America.
Innocence. (2019). Retrieved from https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/policy-issues/innocence
Legislative News, Studies and Analysis | National ... (2019). Retrieved from
http://www.ncsl.org/
Montagna, D. (2018, September 06). Pope Francis changes Catechism to declare death penalty
'inadmissible'. Retrieved from https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/breaking-pope-francisRunning
head: Death Penalty
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changes-catechism-to-declare-death-penalty-inadmissib
Spencer, J., Cauthron, R., & Edmunds, N. (1998, May). FEDERAL DEATH PENALTY CASES:
RECOMMENDATIONS CONCERNING THE COST AND QUALITY OF DEFENSE
REPRESENTATION (Rep.). Retrieved from https://www.uscourts.gov/sites/default/
files/original_spencer_report.pdf
Swift, A. (2019, June 12). Americans: "Eye for an Eye" Top Reason for Death Penalty.
Retrieved from https://news.gallup.com/poll/178799/americans-eye-eye-top-reason-deathpenalty.
aspx
Walker, I. (2008). The death penalty. Edina, MN: ABDO Pub
