Should Capital Punishment Exist?

An important issue today is capital punishment and whether or not it should exist. I am going to present some strong facts at this time, and I'm going to allow readers to make their own determination, in accordance with their conscience.

In my article, 6 Factors that Could Prevent a Fair Trial in America, I list some major flaws in the legal system that could inhibit justice. I am requesting that people review this before going on here, because it is so directly applicable and vitally important.

We actually have two considerations, in my opinion:

1. Should there be a death penalty in spite of the faults and inequities in the justice system that has resulted in an alarming number of false convictions?

2. Should there be a death penalty at all, even if the system were perfect (and would this constitute cruel and unusual punishment)?

My answer to question number one is "no," pure and simple. You can't have a death penalty until improvements are made. This would include making jurors thoroughly aware of their rights and insuring that men and women with integrity are prevalent in the legal system as lawyers and judges. I explained much of this in my article, "7 Ways to Improve the Legal System."

If everything were perfect, what about the death penalty then? On one hand, I would not want to be the one to make the determination. I say this, even though I'm far from what could be considered a "bleeding heart liberal." My views tend to differ, however, from many conservatives. As mortals, it is hard for us to determine or judge many factors about people, and I'll leave it at that.

On the other hand, I feel for the victims and their families, and that a murdered person's life meant something. There are times in the most brutal of cases when I can't help but feel sparing a savage killer would be like saying the victim's life meant nothing.

On the whole, I am in favor of tough punishments, and I am against liberals coddling criminals. I feel this is one of the foremost reasons crime continues to exist and grow. Equally as important, I tend to be an advocate of people's rights and I'm always concerned about justice.

Come to think of it, perhaps I should run for some sort of political office, as I know within myself I'm tough, but fair in all regards. I'm quite certain a lot of people agree with me and would cast their votes in my favor!