Moral Philosophy

Running Head : Moral Philosophy

Moral Philosophy

Name of Student

Name of Institution

Capital Punishment

Capital punishment , in law , is the imposition of the death penalty for the commission of a crime . In countries that permit capital punishment murder and treason are usually considered capital crimes (crimes for which the death sentence can be imposed . Other been specified in modern times include kidnapping , rape , air piracy , and espionage . Capital punishment for an offense may be either mandatory (required by the law to be applied upon conviction ) or discretionary (left to

the jury or the court to decide in passing sentence in individual cases . Among the methods used to carry out the death sentence are electrocutions asphyxiation with gas , injection of lethal drugs , hanging , beheading and shooting

Capital punishment has been a controversial issue since the 18th century . Opponents of the death penalty have argued that it is a throwback to the barbarism of the past and also that it has no effect on reducing violent crime . They have called for its abolition . Supporters of capital punishment have held that it serves as a deterrent to serious criminality and that it is essential to public safety (Meltzer 2004

Thesis Statement : The purpose of this is to

give deeper understanding on what death penalty really is

recognize the pros and cons of death penalty

II . Discussion

Does the State have the right and , therefore , the authority to impose capital punishment , that is , to put to death a criminal ? Advocates of human rights...