Views regarding capital punishment for those who have committed serious and heinous offences differ from person to person. Over the last few years, with rise in the rate of crime all over the world, the demand for judicial execution of criminals has only increased because it is considered to be a deterrent. However, studies and statistics show that it has no effect on the rate of crime. In my opinion, capital punishment should not be imposed because of systemic imperfections and biases in our judicial and investigative systems.
Most people in favour of execution of those convicted of serious crimes are of the view that it would set an example for the society and prevent criminal activity of similar nature from occurring in future. Some also feel that the alternative, which is usually incarceration for life, only adds to the burden of tax payer whereas the convict enjoys a comfortable life in prison.
People against capital punishment usually argue using information and data from research studies, many of which prove that execution of a criminal has no effect on the rate of crime in society. They also point out the fallacies in the judicial system due to which people from economically disadvantaged backgrounds and those with poor legal representation are usually the ones who are sentenced with capital punishment.
In my opinion, capital punishment should be banned because I firmly believe that the state does not have a right to take away something that it cannot restore. While increasing crime is a concern that should be addressed, it should be done through more investment in education and by creating livelihood opportunities instead of imposing harsh punishment on those who are often the victims of their circumstances.