that some 87 death row inmates have been "exonerated" from 1973 until now (www.andjusticeforall.com). In January 2000, the governor of the State of Illinois decreed a moratorium on capital punishment to ensure death row inmates had the advantage of reviewing new DNA evidence procedures applicable to their individual cases (Gilligan, 2000).Alternatives Finding alternatives to capital punishment is like trying to find alternatives to death in general. The practice has been part of the human culture for so long, that people on either side of the issue are unwillingly to budge on their perspectives. However, there are some options, even though it may take decades to change some entrenched views. Option 1: Life in prison means life. Those found guilty of capital punishment related offenses are incarcerated for life which absolutely no chance of ever rejoining society. Of course, this option calls for some serious compromise from both state and federal legislative authorities, not to mention the corrections officer lobby, who claim such harsh punishment puts them at risk. Correction Officer officials contend that if an inmate knows they have absolutely no hope of freedom, then their behavior will become erratic and dangerous. Why bother behaving civilly when there is no possible benefit to it? Option 2: Reach out during early childhood years. Many professionals in the sociology and psychology field believe that committed crimes are reflective of the person's abusive childhood. The more the child is love-oriented, punished with reason for bad behavior rather than corrective measures based on physical punishment, the more effective is the parents' control over desired behavior and the stronger the development of the child's guilt feelings for improper behavior (Berelson and Steiner, 1964). Option 3: Rehabilitation. There are many advocates of this method, but opponents argue whether if one can be co...
