I will start by saying Capital Punishment is cruel, inhumane and barbaric, and does not belong in the penal system of any modern, progressive culture. Rather than being a discouragement to murder, it is actually an encouragement, and those supporting it, are partially responsible for every act of violence and mayhem that is committed daily. Furthermore, though the chances are slim to nonexistent, those endorsing capital punishment may someday have to answer for their perverted beliefs and their consequences.
             Aside from slow torture, there is no death more horrible than being executed by the state. It is certainly not quick, which is how people spend years on death row before being executed. The clock slowly ticks away second by second until the switch is thrown at 12:01 AM on the day of the execution. This painfully drawn-out process certainly adds to the anguish and suffering of those condemned. Regardless of what is or is not true regarding the physical pain that a condemned person undergoes, the mental pain is certainly excruciating.
             A fight to the death of gladiators during the time of the Romans is thought of today as an uncivilized form of entertainment. From this uncivilized act, society has progressed over the years to where we are today. There is no doubt in my mind that this progression will continue and that someday, society will look upon the twentieth and twenty-first century as we now look upon the Romans - uncivilized and cruel. The reason will be because capital punishment was practiced.
             To the statement made by many that "Capital punishment is a deterrent to murder, "I disagree with this comment. I maintain that capital punishment is actually an incentive to murder. Once the killing of a human being has been justified, a line has been crossed, and it becomes easier for many to rationalize, drawing the line at a different level. Once a justification is made to kill a human being, others will easily extend the jus...