Chapter 13, Response Paper. (Introduction to Criminology)

Chapter 13, Response Paper (Introduction to Criminology) Name: Institutional Affiliation: Course: Instructor: Date: Chapter 13, Response Paper (Introduction to Criminology) Summary of the reading Chapter thirteen is about the death penalty, which is synonymously called capital punishment. The death penalty can be termed as the most severe form of punishment to ever exist in the justice system. This form of punishment is so contentious that not all states in the United States administer this form of punishment. Capital punishment is very controversial and sometimes no explanation will justify adequately its appropriateness as a form of punishment. There are several reasons for the controversy. One of the reasons is the sanctity of life as believed by societal norms and religious beliefs. Life is sacred and no reason justifies otherwise. Additionally, death is an irreversible action, unlike these other forms of punishment. Additionally, the goal of the justice system is to correct the offenders and transform them to be resourceful individuals in society. The big question is, after killing an offender, how would you still reform them and make them resourceful individuals? They say error is to man, and in that regard, every individual deserves a second chance in life. Lastly, we saw people being imprisoned for the wrong reasons and later the truth is realized. The death penalty has a rich history and evolution. According to Latin, capital is a term used to refer to the head, and that is why in the past, this form of punishment was done through decapitation. The way of administering this form of punishment has evolved and now it is usually done through the administration of lethal injection. Different people hold divergent opinions and views regarding capital punishment. However, most Americans prefer life imprisonment over capital punishment. There are proponents and opponents of this form of punishment regarded as the most cruel form of punishment. Churches have taken sides with divergent reasons for and against. For instance, the Catholic church is against it citing the sanctity of life as written in the Bible, whi...