Introduction The death penalty has been a subject of controversy in the American justice system for many years. This form of capital punishment is usually a sentence decided by a jury. The imperfections of our court system have risen an ethical dilemma...

In the following pages, I will discuss the history, debate, past and current public opinion, and how it applies to American ideology and opposing values. Both sides have a fair amount of support and I have included direct quotes and paraphrasing from authors, celebrities, journalists, and ordinary...