Definition Of Capital Punishment
Capital punishment can simply be defined as death penalty imposed in response to commission of certain crimes. Different countries bring different crimes under the banner of serious crimes warranting capital punishments. In most cases, treason and murder are crimes which warrant imposition of death sentence. Some other offences include armed robbery, air piracy, rape, kidnapping, and espionage. |
This punishment may be awarded as a mandatory action as stipulated by the law which will have to be implemented when convictions are made. Sometimes discretion is left to the judgment of the jury for awarding capital punishment depending on the case in hand.
Capital crimes are awarded capital punishments in which the convicted individual is put to death based on the existing judicial practices. These crimes are very heinous and are deemed fit to be punished only by death. Many people call capital punishment as death penalty as well. Many countries the world over have concerns with regard to awarding capital punishments due to issues related to human rights and effects on the economic efficiency of the nation.
The term capital is derived from the Latin word Capitalis, meaning of the head. Execution was the capital punishment followed under Roman rule. From ages, many crimes have been given this punishment ranging from treason, murder, rape, mutiny and theft. In military parlance, death penalty was awarded for cowardice in World War I. Firing was used and the squad comprised peer of the accused which served as a means of punishment for the accused and warning for the rest.
By 1800, many societies commenced resentment against death penalties since they regarded the method as inhuman. Many who worked for abolition of slavery and cruelty against animals through different organizations saw the commencement of abolition of capital punishment in the early 21st century when only 58 countries continued practicing capital punishments. Many others laid severe restrictions for categorizing an offence as severe and warranting capital punishment. On date, the US, China, Saudi Arabia and Iran continue and top the list of countries implementing executions annually.
Some argue in favor of this punishment since it will ensure that the criminal will never walk the streets again and hence never commit the crime again. But supporters argue that the method used should be humane and just.
Capital punishments may end lives of innocent people wrongly accused without giving them a chance. Different countries categorize different crimes under the banner warranting capital punishments which is disturbing. Fair and just means of capital punishments are very expensive and can be offset by incarceration.
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Definition Of Capital Punishment
The result of discussions and talks on the media about capital punishment is that it is a discriminatory, barbaric and ineffective form of punishment and is best eliminated. It is believed that God Himself instituted capital punishment after the occurrence of worldwide floods. In the Bible, Genesis 9:6 states that God gives man the power and authority to take the life of anyone who in his senses brutally sheds blood causing death or the murderer. 
