ent of the crimes for which they were convicted were executed between 1900 and 1985 (Long 79). In our legal system, justice can be poorly served in many ways. Many people are wrongly convicted and sentenced to prison time or even death. If a defendant has a valid case to offer, what chance does one have to get a fair trial? Why should a criminal be punished for a crime that he did not commit? Even if a defendant has a good defense, he must still battle the impartiality of the judges. There are many factors that could affect the outcome of the trial. In earlier times where capital punishment was common, the value of life was not the same as it is today. Considering the number of executions then was far greater than it is today, capital punishment was far more acceptable. However, in today's society, which is becoming ever more humanitarian, the death penalty is becoming a poor form of punishment. Also, with the possibility of mistaken execution, the question of innocence will remain concerning those put to death. Any question of innocence of a person sentenced to death is very important. One should not be executed for something that they did not commit. One might argue that there are misfortunes with everything in life, however, when an individual's life is on the line, there is no room for misfortune or mistake. What right does we, as human beings have to inflict mortal punishment on an individual for the sake of society, when there are suitable substitutes that require fewer resources? Capital punishment is nonsense. There are many reasons to abolish it in all states. Not only is it more expensive to execute someone tan it is to keep them in prison for life, but also it takes a chance of executing an innocent person. Evidence proves that capital punishment does not influence a persons decision at the time of the murder. Capital punishment supporters need to realize this and quit wasting the tax payers money on immortal acts. Both sides...
