Capital punishment is the execution of criminals for committing serious crimes such as homicide. Although some believe that this form of punishment is inhumane, I believe that it is necessary in order for justice to prevail. Capital punishment lowers the murder rate and saves the taxpayers money by keeping the accused in prison for a limited amount of time. Capital punishment's value as retribution is a good reason by itself for handing out death sentences.
             The death penalty prevents criminals from killing by putting fear of death into would be killers. A person is less likely to do something, if they are aware of the consequences of doing it. If people are willing to go out and kill people, they should be prepared to face the reality of being killed themselves. In today's society, jail doesn't seem to put fear into the minds of rapists and murderers. The thought that one can be executed for his crime may make a criminal think before he kills someone. If criminals don't think about the consequences of their actions, they are probably mentally unstable, and cannot make any positive impact on the world.
             Some may argue that a life in prison is just as cruel of a punishment as execution. Those who are against execution feel that criminals can be rehabilitated. That by putting them in jail for life sentences, criminals can learn and understand the mistakes they have made. Although life in jail isn't pleasant, it is hardly a punishment for crimes like manslaughter. In prison, prisoners receive free meals. They also have the opportunity to read, get educated, and work out. Once a prisoner gets used to the routine and the people around him, prison may become a comfortable place to live. It's sad that the parents and friends of a murder victim have to pay the taxes to keep the killer in jail. It's not right that prisoners live in "luxury" off of peoples hard earned money.
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