Dating as far back as the 1630’s in the American colonies, capital punishment is not a new concept for the United States. In fact, the idea that some crimes should be punishable by death dates as far back as the eighth century B.C. in Babylon, where it is said to have first been introduced. The constitutionality of the government’s legal right to end someone’s life as retribution for a crime has been a long standing debate in the United States. Calls to abolish the death penalty within the nation spark controversy amongst those with passionate opinions on both sides.

Those who are in favor of abolishing capital punishment across the country beleive that it is an outdated, unfair, and inhumane practice that hinders true justice. They argue that rehabilitation should be at the forefront of our justice system and that the government does not hold the right to end life. Citing concerns over wrongful prosecution throughout history, advocates like The Innocence Project argue that the system doesn’t always get it right. They believe that tackling the underlying causes for crime would be a more sustainable solution than the death penalty. 

For those who support capital punishment and oppose its abolishment, the solution to stopping violent criminals is quite clear: end them. They argue that permanent measures are necessary and effective for certain crimes and that public safety is paramount in deciding who should live and who should die. Advocates for the death penalty believe that the financial burden of lifetime inmates on the system doesn’t outweigh the cost of humane, legal execution. 

With such contrasting perspectives, and the fate of prisoners hanging in the balance, the question remains: Should the United States abolish capital punishment?