What are some reasons that the Death Penalty should not be re-introduced into Canada?

I'm having a debate on Monday and I have to argue that the Death Penalty should not be re-introduced into Canada. I'm doing as much research as I can, but I was wondering if anyone else here had any other interesting points about death penalty that could help me with my debate.

Also, I was wondering if you could think of some questions that you would ask the opposition during the debate, because that's one of the segments of the debate, and I'm having a hard time thinking of any. I know how I would answer their questions, but I can't think of any myself....

Thanks for answering.

El Guapo

Use the U.S. as an example:

- Mistakes happen. In the last 35 years in the U.S., 130 people have been released from death row because they were exonerated by DNA evidence (DNA is not available in most homicide cases).

- It costs taxpayers MUCH more to execute someone than to imprison them for life.

- It is not a deterrent - violent crime rates are HIGHER in death penalty jurisdictions.

- It is inconsistently and arbitrarily applied.

- Life without parole (LWOP) is on the books in most states now, and it means what it says. People who get this sentence are taken off the streets. For good.

As far as questions to ask, how about:

- How many wrongful executions should be considered "acceptable."

- Wouldn't taxpayer dollars be better spent PREVENTING crime rather than prosecuting death penalty cases? (Since capital punishment costs much more than life imprisonment)

I hope that helps. Good luck in your debate!

Phil

Recent evidence from DNA has shown many people are wrongly convicted, dozens of people (google it) have been released, some who had death sentences. A death sentence means you can never fix an injustice.

Death penalty hs not been shown to be a deterrent, people who are going to kill do anyway because they don't expect to get caught or because they aren't the type that thinks ahead.

Death penalty has always fallen pervasively on those who are the weakest in our society, those of minority racce and poor economic backgrounds. This is because such people are less likely to be able to appeal to juries in making the decision.

Death penalty has been eliminated in every developed country except for the US, Russia and China. It is considered a violation of human rights in the European Union.

The cost of holding a person in special confinement and pursuing appeals to ensure that an innocent person isn't executed costs a huge amount of money per year (google it or look it ut..)

This amount is substantially more than life imprisonment.

Matt S

for such a question it would be easier to answer if parameters had been set .. such as what crimes the death penalty would be punishment for
little bit of constructive critisism to help you out

big daddy

use this quote from gandhi "an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"

gandhi is a thug

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