by Stephanie Klesko

Created on: June 01, 2008

It has been debated for decades whether capital punishment is humane and a deterrent to crime. The question of cruelty has essentially become mute, because execution has shown ineffectiveness in discouraging the criminal behavior that warrants it. First-degree murder is a well-known offense punishable by death; however, in some states treason, and aggravated rape or kidnapping can result in a death sentence, as well.

It is ineffective and these crimes are committed without thought to the consequences, because the gratification and perceived power gained in a these acts override any rational thought, moral values or conscience the offender might have. This power comes from one place desire. It may be a need to seek revenge, solve a dispute or dispose of an obstacle. Love and money, one or both, are often at the root of this evil. And many can attest, murderer or not, both are powerful.

Despite the motive, people kill because they are hungry for the command it gives them over their situation. Bank robbers want to avoid capture. Cheerleaders' mothers are making sure their daughter wins in competition. Husbands are trying to avoid alimony and losing half of their material world.

Losing 100 percent of their freedom and their life is rarely a consideration because again, they are void of rational thought. They think they can outsmart law enforcement or are simply blinded by passion to possible capture.

The intent of the death penalty was to deter crime, prevent recidivism and reduce costs over life imprisonment. However, according to the Death Penalty Information Center, studies have found deterrence isn't part of the equation there is no credible evidence supporting the theory. Furthermore, statistics show that murder rates in states with the death penalty are about 40% higher than states without this punishment.

In the US, the federal government and 38 states have the death penalty on the books. Earlier this year, the Nebraska Supreme Court determined that use of the electric chair is unconstitutional. No further action has been taken, but this essentially leaves the state with no death penalty option.

Department of Justice statistics show that in 2007, 42 persons in 10 States were executed. Of these inmates, all were men with 28 of them white and 14 black. The most current statistics available also show that in 2006, 37 States and the Federal prison system held 3,228 prisoners under sentence of death, 17 fewer than in 2005.

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