ans, 52 Hispanics, 4 Native Americans, and 4 Asian Americans. The smallest states are Connecticut with 2 whites, New Mexico with 1 Native American and 1 white, and Wyoming 2 whites, (Mumia). Blacks constituted some 40% of men on death row in Pennsylvanian, yet blacks constitute just over 9% of Pennsylvanians population and just fewer than 11% of Americas. The proportions are not even (Mumia p 18).The death penalty has never been proven as an effective deterrent against crime, and is disproportionately used against blacks and the poor. It costs more to execute people than keep them in prison for life with no possibility of parole (University Wire). A study indicated it cost the state an average of $2.3 million over seven years of appeals to execute someone. The cost of imprisoning the same person for life was $750,000 (Mauro).Is the death penalty justice or revenge? Our criminal justice system shouldnt be about vengeance, because it makes us as a society no better than those we condemn. Yet, we have to weigh what we accomplish by killing those who kill. It doesnt bring anyone back. It doesnt accomplish anything but revenge. Of course, in cases of clearly guilt or particularly heinous crimes, its easy to say they deserve to die. However, the case involves the death of someone we love, its hard to say good-bye (University Wire)....
