In Favor of the Death Penalty
Many state legislatures are abolishing the death penalty; but without it, can justice ever really be carried out for murderers? In this essay I will argue in favor of the death penalty.
My main argument will be that the death penalty is imperative to carrying out justice in regard to murderers. Immanuel Kant's categorical imperative defends this position stating "Act only on that maxim through which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law" (Groundwork of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant, pg 88). This is similar to the golden rule that we are taught as children. Treat others as you would like to be treated. By murdering a human being, a person is saying that they would like to be treated in the same manner. The person willed his/her own death in the single act of murder committed.
One main concern with the death penalty is the possibility of it to be carried out on innocent people. This is a risk, and just......
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Approximate Word Count: 800
Approximate Pages: 4 (260 words per double-spaced page) |