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Capital Punishment Essay: Capital punishment refers to sentencing a criminal with the death penalty after due process of law. This form of punishment can be traced back to the ancient Greek of the 7th century BC, which operated under the ‘Laws of Draco’. In addition to the Greeks, Romans also sanctioned citizens to the death penalty for murder, rape, arson, and treason.
Likewise, present-day India awards the death penalty for heinous crimes against mankind such as murder, criminal conspiracy, dacoity with murder, encouraging mutiny, and waging war against the central government. However, as we have evolved as humans, courts resort to this extreme form of punishment in rarest of the rare cases.
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Capital Punishment Essay in 250 Words
Capital punishment or the death penalty is the state-sanctioned execution of a person as punishment for a crime. It is usually the most severe punishment a judicial system can impose on offenders. It is usually reserved for the most serious crimes like rape and murder.
Since time immemorial, mankind has opted for different methods of capital punishment. From hanging, beheading, and firing squads to burning, stoning, and poisoning humans have used every possible way to execute offenders. Methods can vary but all these have one thing in common i.e. inhumanity.
Capital punishment, in all its forms, is considered barbaric. It is seen as cruel, savage, and a form of revenge, reminiscent of a bygone era where understanding and respect for human life were absent. Some argue that these methods even involve physical torture.
While some believe the death penalty deters crime, studies have shown no significant correlation between its use and a decrease in violent crimes. In simpler terms, the threat of execution does not necessarily prevent people from committing serious offences. Therefore, it becomes crucial to consider whether capital punishment truly serves any purpose in our modern world.
Owing to the controversial characteristics of this punishment option, the ‘Abolition of the Death Penalty’ has become one of the most prominent discussions in the United Nations. Besides, Human Rights activists and organisations also raise their voices against capital punishment. With all the ongoing debate, there is optimism that this inhuman practice might be done away with in the future.
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Essay on Capital Punishment in 350 Words
Capital punishment or the death penalty has been a topic of contention in India. While the Supreme Court of India has reserved the death penalty for the rarest of rare cases, the penal process evokes a debate for and against this form of punishment.
One of the primary arguments in favour of capital punishment is deterrence i.e. fear of severe forms of the death penalty will reduce crimes. Supporters of this penal process are of the view that the threat of capital punishment prevents a potential offender from committing heinous crimes like murder, rape, war against the government, and abetment to mutiny. Also, they propound that the assertion of severe punishments upholds the safety and security of people as the state has the responsibility to maintain social order and safeguard its people.
However, people against capital punishment argue that the death penalty is inept in rehabilitating prisoners, which is the basic aim of any legal penal option. They also propose that punishment by execution does not deter people from committing crimes as individualist punishment overlooks broader social failures. Also, execution by barbaric measures shifts the responsibility of the state and peer groups from addressing the root causes of crime to individual punishment.
Another reason for concern regarding capital punishment is the risk of executing innocent individuals due to flaws in the justice system. The possibility of wrongful convictions highlights the serious consequences of irreparable harm of taking a person’s life. This irreversible consequence outlines the significance of strict legal procedures and safety measures to prevent miscarriage of justice.
Thus, the debate over capital punishment in India is a complex one, encompassing moral, legal, and societal considerations. While proponents argue for its necessity in ensuring justice and deterring crime, opponents raise valid concerns regarding its effectiveness, morality, and potential for miscarriages of justice. As the legal landscape continues to evolve, it is essential to critically examine these arguments and consider the broader implications of capital punishment on society and the individuals it affects.
FAQs
Ans: Yes. The legal system in India can grant capital punishment in case of murder, criminal conspiracy, abetment to mutiny, dacoity with murder, and waging war against the Union Government.
Ans: Start the essay on capital punishment by defining this penal process. Thereafter, cite arguments in favour and against the death penalty. Also, you can mention how the government and society benefit and lose through this ultimate yet barbaric form of justice.
Ans: Capital punishment refers to sentencing a criminal with the death penalty after due process of law.
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