Capital punishment is the government-sanctioned execution of an individual as retribution for a crime. Although most countries have abolished death penalty sentences, many retain this practice, including the United States, China, Iran, and Saudi Arabia. Should we abolish the death penalty, or support each government's right to punish crime as it sees fit?
Yes, we should abolish the death penalty
The death penalty unjustly targets vulnerable demographics, wastes taxpayer money, and violates the sanctity of human life.
The death penalty targets racial minorities
Minorities receive death penalty sentences at a disproportionately high rate.
The death penalty targets people with mental illnesses or intellectual disabilities.
It is difficult to definitively prove that a defendant has a mental illness or intellectual disability. As a result, criminals who suffer from these conditions often receive the death penalty.
