1. Create a chart that shows the arguments for and against the death penalty; and
2. State the Law- capital punishment law in TN
3. Lastly, give your own opinion of the death penalty...what do you think? are you for it or against it? (summaries this under the chart of arguments and after you stated the TN law regarding capital punishment.
Arguments for and against the death penalty:
| Argument for the death penalty | Argument against the death penalty |
|---------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| serves as a deterrent to crime | morally wrong and violates human rights |
| provides closure to victims' families | wrongful convictions and the risk of executing innocent individuals |
| cost-effective compared to life imprisonment | perpetuates a cycle of violence and does not address root causes of crime |
| justice for heinous crimes | disproportionately impacts minorities and the poor |
Law in Tennessee regarding capital punishment:
In Tennessee, the death penalty can be imposed for certain crimes such as first-degree murder, aggravated of a child, and aggravated sexual exploitation of a minor. The method of execution in Tennessee is lethal injection, and the state allows for exemptions based on mental health or intellectual disability.
Personal opinion:
I am against the death penalty. While I understand the desire for justice and closure for victims' families, the inherent flaws in the criminal justice system, the risk of executing innocent individuals, and the discriminatory application of capital punishment make it an unjust and inhumane practice. I believe that alternative forms of punishment, such as life imprisonment without parole, can achieve the same goals without resorting to taking a life.