Criminology is a subsection of sociology. Sociology deals with the human condition on many levels and in
many circumstances. While it is something to take into consideration when studying our criminal justice
system, some situations are not clear cut and affect some people for a lifetime.
One interesting subject in our criminal justice system is the death penalty or death row. People generally have
strong opinions about this-what they consider to be right or “just”. Like so many things, the problem with this is
that life is not clear cut and since we are a society of people, we are flawed, we make mistakes, we make
assumptions, and we sometimes ignore the obvious. Perhaps the part of human nature that is the most difficult
to deal with is that we are complicated. If we ask a thousand people what “justice” means, we will likely get a
thousand differing answers. There will be overlaps, but likely that is all. If we ask those same people what
“fairness” means, or what a person’s life is “worth”, we will get the same result. If we ask someone to explain
why the meaning of a life differs if they are pro death penalty, but anti abortion or conversly, pro-choice but anti
death penalty-what would their answers be? Would they make sense? Would they be reasonable? (whatever
that means!)
For this final paper, I would like you to read over the PowerPoint on Death Row. There are several articles
embedded in the PowerPoint for you to read. These articles do not necessarily reflect my personal thoughts on
the death penalty-but I think they are situations that will illustrate how complicated this issue can be.
In a few pages, (No less than 2 types, double spaced pages, 12 font), present one argument in support of the
death penalty and one arguement against it. Give some thought out explanations-not just, “because I think so”
answers. Try to take into consideration the errors that can be made, the errors that are not made, the total cost
of a death row incarceration, trial, appeals, etc. Compare these costs incurred by some of the states based on
where they are on the poverty list. Could some of this money be put to better use to help the law-abiding
citizens of these states rather than paying the excessive costs of trials and appeals? Or, does the cost of these
trials, appeals, incarceration and execution costs actually help the law abiding citizens of those states?
Obviously, this assignment is to get you to think-hopefully out of your comfort zone one way or another. I do not
care what your position is on the death penalty. That is not the purpose of this assignment. I am not trying to
change anyone’s mind or influence your opinions. I am hoping that this will bring into focus how complicated
just one issue within our criminal justice system can be. Of course it is the most extreme of circumstances, it is
still a reality to think about. It may not be our reality, but it is someone’s reality.