Why We Should Not Use the Death Penalty for All Crimes

For starters, the average person would find it difficult to clear adolescence without being deemed guilty of some crime, as there are crimes that almost everyone commits at some point in their life. This is a stark reality that challenges the very basis of the death penalty system. Crimes such as connecting to a Wi-Fi network labeled for customers from an institution where you did not buy anything from, are considered a federal felony, and could land you up to five years in prison. It's bad enough that a minor infraction can be so severe, but do we really think people should be executed for such an action?

The Non-Violent Nature of Many Crimes

Even something as simple as recycling. Have you ever taken cans for recycling without rinsing them? If you have, you might be guilty of an open container violation. While some people might argue that possession of certain sea life is illegal and support the death penalty for such cases, the execution of someone for a minor violation seems overly harsh.

A Question of Fairness

Consider the case of a father who broke into a pharmacy to steal medicine needed for a dying child. Or a person who took money from someone without reporting it to the government for helping them move or clean their yard. These scenarios highlight the importance of context and rehabilitation in the criminal justice system. The death penalty fails to address these nuances and oftenresults in irreversible consequences.

The Nature of Punishment

The death penalty should be reserved for crimes where the main purpose is the taking of another person's life or where death is a significant outcome—crimes like armed robbery, thieving, assault, and particularly, murder. While the death penalty might be seen as a deterrent in some cases, its application to lesser crimes would likely lead to a chaotic and unjust system.

Evolution of Moral and Legal Standards

We are a civilized society, not living in the Bronze Age. The shift in societal values and understanding of crime and punishment must be acknowledged. Crimes should be judged with a perspective that considers rehabilitation, deterrence, and the reduction of suffering. The death penalty is an outdated concept that does not align with modern legal and ethical standards.

Conclusion

While there may be a need for harsher punishments in some cases, the death penalty for all crimes is neither fair nor practical. It is essential to maintain a legal system that considers the unique circumstances of each case and the potential for rehabilitation. The death penalty should be reserved for the most serious crimes where the intent and outcome are clear and horrific.