The death penalty is one of the most controversial legal issues, not only in the U.S., but also for the whole world. The latest round of this legal battle was the case of Troy Davis.
Davis was accused and convicted for the murder of a police officer in 1991 according to a report from the Associated Press. For this crime, he was sentenced to death. Later some witnesses would recant their testimony. This is the basis for the uproar that Davis’ execution has caused.
The death penalty is an issue that divides people. Those who were raised with certain religious values claim that it is morally wrong. Pope Benedict XVI and other religious leaders spoke out against the execution of Davis. The Catholic Church and many other Christian denominations are against the death penalty. The Dalai Lama has also spoken out against capital punishment.
On the secular side, Amnesty International and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) work to end the death penalty as a form of capital punishment. Its U.S. campaigns often deal with that topic, most recently in on Davis’ behalf.
Those who argue against the death penalty say that killing is not the answer; those that argue for it often say it is just.
Capital punishment varies from state-to-state in the U.S. For example, New Jersey abolished its death penalty in 2007 while the most executions ta ke place in Texas. In the U.S., most death row inmates have been convicted of murder. Treason and terrorism are other crimes for which the sentence can be capital punishment.
College is a time when we develop many of the opinions we carry throughout life. Where do you stand?
Resources:
ACLU
Amnesty International
Associated Press
Washington Post