History has proven that we, as human beings, cannot all agree on something.
For every idea, theory, or ideology, there are those who critic it, and those who support it. One of the things that has generated both support and criticism is the use of capital punishment. Opponents argue that the right to life is a basic human right while proponents argue that it is needed to prevent and control crimes. Although these two sides seems to be incongruent, they are both fighting for the dignity of human life. This can be achieved by tackling the issues that lead these capital crimes to occur in the first place.
Proponents of death penalty believe that it is the most effective punishment for capital crimes. From their perspective, fear of such punishment deters people from committing gruesome crimes, especially violent criminals. Besides, they argue that the penalty should match the crime. For instance, in cases of murder, if a person ends a human life, they have lost their right to life, and consequently they should be executed. They also argue that execution brings closure to families. The families of the victims fear that one day the criminal might go out; the death penalty eliminates this prospect.
On the other hand, opponents of death penalty believe that it should be abolished. They believe that it is an extremely cruel punishment. Prisoners on death row endure the uncertainty of waiting, which is psychologically detrimental and tormenting. They also believe that when a convict is executed, there is a possibility that they may be innocent. Judicial systems, even the best in the world, make mistakes. In addition, they argue that nobody should have the right to end a human life, and that killing is killing no matter what.
It seems that both sides are arguing for the sake of one goal: protecting the dignity of human life. Although their point of views differ, the underlying motive is the same. Since they both want to protect human life, they can work together to achieve it. Going back to the reasons that cause capital crimes to occur might be the perfect start. Crimes do not happen out of the blue. One of the leading causes, if not the leading, is poverty. A lot of people resort to criminal activities to escape poverty. Sometimes they feel they have no choice but to engage in illegal activities when they are struggling to provide the basics. Poverty is a hurdle to receive appropriate education, and eventually many end up being unemployed or underpaid. Therefore, implementing programs that help those in need may reduce the number of capital crimes, and eventually the number of executions.
To conclude, death penalty has always been a polarizing issue; for some it is righteous and beneficial, for others cruel and inhuman. Nevertheless, the fight and controversy stem from the desire to preserve the dignity of human life. Achieving the latter can be done if both sides come together and tackle the real issues that lead to capital crimes, particularly poverty and education.
Salim Lahmiti
Semester 3, Department of English Studies
Chouaib Doukkali University-El Jadida
