Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Should the death penalty be abolished?
Position1 of 2›

Yes, we should abolish the death penalty

This position holds that the death penalty should be abolished. It argues capital punishment disproportionately targets racial minorities, the poor, and the mentally ill, that wrongful convictions are common, that it wastes taxpayer money, and that it violates the sanctity of life.

Supporting arguments · 6

  1. The death penalty targets people with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities.
    It is difficult to definitively prove that a defendant has a mental illness or intellectual disability. As a result, criminals who suffer from these conditions often receive the death penalty.
  2. The death penalty targets the poor
    The death penalty is a greater risk for those who cannot afford strong representation.
  3. The death penalty wastes taxpayer money
    Contrary to popular belief, the death penalty is more expensive than life in prison sentences.
  4. The death penalty targets racial minorities
    Minorities receive death penalty sentences at a disproportionately high rate.
  5. Wrongful convictions are common
    The criminal justice system has executed people wrongly. For this reason, we can never implement the death penalty with certainty of a person's guilt.
  6. The death penalty violates the sanctity of human life
    Regardless of their crimes, the lives of death row prisoners are valuable.