The constantly changing views on this difficult issue led Supreme Court to abolish Capital Punishment in 1972. However it was later upheld in 1977 under certain conditions. Those who are for the death penalty argue that it deters, or works against, crime by giving criminals somewhat of a fear factor to think about and hopefully will effect their decisions in someway. If criminals know that there is no tolerance for their actions and they realize the consequences, whether it be death penalty or life with out parole, they will think twice before taking the risk of being in that position.

The pro side also claims that if these criminals are not put to death, there is a chance of them being paroled due to good behavior, allowing for an opportunity to kill

One of the things that have gotten in the way of carrying out death sentences is the fear that they might be handed out in racially unfair ways. Some people believe that physical aspects are not an issue, however it is debatable. Murder has no color, class, gender or IQ. A murderer is a murderer. When a loved one is killed, I doubt anyone could take comfort in the fact that the killer had a low IQ, was black instead of white, or was poor instead of rich.

More than 75% of those on Federal death row are non-white. 90% or more sentenced to death are indigent and cannot afford to hire experienced lawyers so they receive court appointed ones. Most Capital trials last less than a week, which is hardly enough, time to present a good defense. If you can afford a good lawyer, you have a better chance of not ending up on death row. 1 in 7 on death row have been freed after being fully exonerated. Between 1900 - 1992, 416 cases of innocent persons have been convicted and given death sentence. 23 of those cases the person has been executed.

This opposing side of the debate argues that young offenses don’t always begin with the kid. They often come from unstable households and rough childhoods. Some are victims of abuse, and the only survival skills they have to grow up on are those they learn on the streets. Also juveniles on death row might be unable to fully understand the consequences of their actions.

Some topics in this essay:
Capital Punishment, JUVENILES Pro’s, Arabia Nigeria, PUNISHMENT Washington, Supreme Court, Washington Currently, Penalty INTRODUCTION, death penalty, DEBATE Pro’s, capital punishment, death row, supreme court, murder punished, life prison, life parole, murder serious offense, law enforcement, enforcement punishment, law enforcement punishment, juveniles death, sentenced life prison,