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Essay / Revisiting the Capital Punishment Debate: An Ielts Perspective
Table of ContentsThe Watts Tragedy: An Argument for Capital Punishment?Economic Considerations of Capital PunishmentMoral and Ethical ImplicationsDeterrence: Myth or Reality?ConclusionFollowing heinous crimes that shake the moral foundation of society, the debate on the effectiveness and morality of capital punishment finds renewed fervor. The tragic case of Chris Watts, who devastated his family, is a grim reminder of the “monsters among us” and propels this discourse into public and academic arenas, including IELTS discussions. This essay delves deeper into the arguments surrounding capital punishment, exploring its deterrent effect, economic implications, and ethical considerations. By exploring the narrative of capital punishment in the context of the IELTS debate, we aim to discover whether the ultimate punishment can actually serve justice or whether it only perpetuates a cycle of violence. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the Original EssayThe Watts Tragedy: An Argument for Capital Punishment?Chris Watts' Unfathomable Act of Murdering His Pregnant Wife and his two daughters cast a long shadow over the debate over capital punishment. His life sentence raises the question: Would the death penalty have been more appropriate? Proponents argue that such irreversible crimes demand an equally definitive response. The logic goes beyond retribution; it is also seen as a potential deterrent, a way to economize the penal system, and a way to cleanse society of its most evil elements. George W. Bush's assertion that "the death penalty... serves as a deterrent against future violence and will save more innocent lives" sums up the argument for the death penalty as a necessary evil in the face of unfathomable crimes. Economic Considerations of Capital PunishmentThe economic argument Capital punishment suggests that it is more cost-effective than life imprisonment. With an average daily cost of $85 per inmate, the financial burden of long-term incarceration on taxpayers is considerable. Its supporters argue that the death penalty, despite high initial costs at trial and appeal, ultimately saves money by avoiding the expense of decades of imprisonment. This perspective is reinforced by the claim that the death penalty could streamline the justice system and ease pressure on prison resources and capacity. Moral and Ethical Implications Despite the pragmatic arguments in favor of capital punishment, its moral and ethical dimensions are deeply controversial. The biblical reference to “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed” is often cited in support of the death penalty. However, this position is balanced by concerns about the sanctity of life, the risk of miscarriage of justice, and the morality of state-sanctioned killings. The debate extends to the New Testament, where the emphasis on forgiveness and redemption challenges the "eye for an eye" mentality. The complexity of these moral arguments reflects the broader societal struggle to reconcile justice and humanity. Deterrence: myth or reality? The deterrent effect of capital punishment remains one of the most polarizing aspects of the debate. Although some studies, such as Isaac Ehrlich's 1973 study, suggest that executions can prevent future crimes, this notion is contested. Critics argue that the threat of death is unlikely to deter those who act out of passion, illness,.