Sources 1+2

What are some moral arguments against the death penalty?

My first source is an interview conducted by Colleen Walsh for Prof. Carol Steiker of the Criminal Justice Policy Program at Harvard University. The topic of this interview is “Death Penalty; in retreat”, where the Colleen Walsh asks Prof. Steiker on some of the basic questions and her views within the death penalty and criminal justice system. Judging from the answers given by Prof. Steiker, one can assume she is anti-death penalty. Colleen Walsh asks a series of questions starting with the possibility of the Supreme Court Striking down the death penalty. The other following questions also provide historical context such as the important dates and events. Other useful things include Prof. Steiker’s response to the other questions. One of the more intriguing questions were,” Do you think having the death penalty hurts the United States’ standing with other countries?” In which Prof.Steiker’s response was yes followed by how other foreign countries deem the capital punishment as unacceptable because it violates international human rights. This source is incredibly helpful because it helps build ground as to why one should oppose the death penalty. The interview is also on an Arthur who’s books focus on criminal justice systems and other legal issues. It is also a primary source making it more legitimate and direct to use opposed to other sources.

https://today.law.harvard.edu/death-penalty-retreat-interview-professor-carol-steiker/

This source is from BBC’s website, titled “Ethic’s Guide; Capital Punishment.” BBC is a public service broadcaster that produces programs and services throughout the UK as well as create content viewed around the world. The page talks about the different arguments used against the death penalty. Each argument is given a thorough sentence or two about its meaning. One strong argument is the “Execution of the innocent.” Whereas innocent people will be killed due to the flaws and imperfection within the criminal justice system. Not all humans are perfect, we all make human errors therefore it is inevitable that innocent people will be convicted. “The death penalty legitimizes an irreversible act of violence by the state and will inevitably claim innocent victims. As long as human justice remains fallible, the risk of executing the innocent can never be eliminated. “Since my question is what the moral arguments are for anti-death penalty, the page gives me dozens of arguments for abolishing the death penalty making it extremely useful and straight to the point.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/capitalpunishment/