Discuss the points the text makes regarding the death penalty. In your discussion, include how prevalent it is in the world, whether U.S. citizens tend to favor or oppose it, its value as a deterrent, and any other issues regarding its use

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Very few countries in the world have the death penalty. The U.S. is the only industrialized western country that has it. The European Union will not accept countries that have the death penalty. U.S. adults favor the death penalty by about two to one, arguing that it is a deterrent. However, many violent crimes are committed without stopping to think about penalties. The U.S.'s application of capital punishment is neither quick nor certain, so is not a good deterrent.
There is no significant correlation between instituting or dropping the death penalty and a change in crimes, and in some states with the highest number of executions the murder rates are also higher.
The death penalty is applied unjustly, with Blacks more likely to get it than whites, and with the penalty depending on the state. It is irreversible, and innocent people are sometimes executed.