This document outlines an argument against the death penalty. It begins with background on capital punishment and a thesis statement opposing it for three reasons: it is too cruel and violent, it impacts many lives in a negative way, and most people are against it. The body then provides support for each part of the thesis. It argues the death penalty violates human rights by inflicting cruel punishments. It also notes that families of both victims and condemned prisoners are deeply affected. The document closes by stating opposition to the death penalty has risen over time as more countries abolish it and public support declines.
This document outlines an argument against the death penalty. It begins with background on capital punishment and a thesis statement opposing it for three reasons: it is too cruel and violent, it impacts many lives in a negative way, and most people are against it. The body then provides support for each part of the thesis. It argues the death penalty violates human rights by inflicting cruel punishments. It also notes that families of both victims and condemned prisoners are deeply affected. The document closes by stating opposition to the death penalty has risen over time as more countries abolish it and public support declines.
This document outlines an argument against the death penalty. It begins with background on capital punishment and a thesis statement opposing it for three reasons: it is too cruel and violent, it impacts many lives in a negative way, and most people are against it. The body then provides support for each part of the thesis. It argues the death penalty violates human rights by inflicting cruel punishments. It also notes that families of both victims and condemned prisoners are deeply affected. The document closes by stating opposition to the death penalty has risen over time as more countries abolish it and public support declines.
This document outlines an argument against the death penalty. It begins with background on capital punishment and a thesis statement opposing it for three reasons: it is too cruel and violent, it impacts many lives in a negative way, and most people are against it. The body then provides support for each part of the thesis. It argues the death penalty violates human rights by inflicting cruel punishments. It also notes that families of both victims and condemned prisoners are deeply affected. The document closes by stating opposition to the death penalty has risen over time as more countries abolish it and public support declines.
I. Introduction A. Background 1. The death penalty/capital punishment is not the best answer for the wrongdoers, because its is not good to take someones life. 2. Background- The death penalty is when the government takes a persons life as a punishment for wrongdoing (Staerman 6). 3. Background-The death penalty is the most extreme punishment a government can use on its citizens (Staerman 6) 4. Thesis Statement-The death penalty should not be used to punish someone for their wrongdoings because 1) It is too cruel and violent 2) It impacts so many lives in a bad way 3) Most people are against the death penalty. II. Body of research paper A. Thesis Support #1 First main idea of category (Topic sentence- The death penalty is inflicted in very cruel ways and it violates the human rights. a. Executions by fire, stoning, beheading, hanging, slow and prolonged torture-all these methods have been used to inflict the death penalty (Staerman 24) b. In some countries the punishment have been carried out in front of crowds in public places (Staerman 24) c. Opponents say that the death penalty is a cruel and unusual punishment and, therefore, a violation of human rights law (Staerman 24) d. They say that pain, distress, and indignity inflicted are part of the punishment and act as a vivid deterrent to would-be criminals (Staerman 24) B. Thesis Support #2 1. First main idea of category (Topic sentence- Theos who receive the death penalty are not the only ones who are affected, but also the families of the victims. a. Apart from the condemned prisoners, those who are are most affected are their families and families of the victims (Staerman 41) b. A murder victims family will experience a range of emotions (Staerman 42) c. Their first emotions of grief and distress later turn to anger and despair, and perhaps also to thoughts of revenge and retribution (Staerman 42) d. .Families seek to understand why their loved one died-and very often they are disappointed in what they find (Staerman 42 C. Thesis Support #3 1. First main idea of category (Topic sentence- The percentage of abolishing the death penalty has risen over those who support it. a. Opponents of the death penalty argue that even the worst crimes
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should not be punishable by death (Staerman 14)
b. The twentieth century saw an increase in protests against the death penalty (Staerman 38) c. Opponents point out that, as more countries abolish or stop using capital punishment, so public opinion changes and support for the death penalty fades (Staerman 38) d. In 1994, a Gallup poll found 80 percent in support but this had dropped to 65 percent by May 2006 (Staerman 38) D. Counterargument 1. Supporters say governments must keep the death penalty because it is the only appropriate and effective punishment for certain crimes (Staerman 7) 2. They say its use stops future crimes by executing violent offenders (Staerman 7) 3. Capital punishment should be legalized in all fifty state in the United States because it defers crime rates. 4. Deters other criminals, brings relief to victims, and overall, makes society safer for everyone (Staerman 7) III. Conclusion A. In conclusion punishing someone with the death penalty for doing something wrong is not the best answer. B. Tie Thesis topics together 1. The death penalty is cruel and violates human rights. 2. Families are also affected by the death of their loved ones due to the death penalty. 3. More turn against the death penalty. C. Concluding thoughts