Capital Punishment in California

Main Argument:

            California’s proposition 34 is a bill designed to abolish the death penalty in the state. Supporters maintain that capital punishment is immoral and costly; that no government should hold the right to take a citizen’s life. As a native of California, I could not disagree more. Capital Punishment is only pursued in cases that are exceptionally violent and cruel. The immorality does not come in pursuing the death penalty; it comes in the crimes committed by these convicted criminals. Furthermore, the right to execute is not held by the state or government, the right is held by the affected families looking for closure. We as common people do not understand the profound pain felt by these people, therefore we should not eliminate the option of capital punishment and final closure.

California mother, who lost son to murder, explains her position:

http://youtu.be/lfb4XaH7rXY

Sandy Friend lost her son to a kidnap-murder. Michael Lyons was abducted while walking home from school; he was subsequently tortured and murdered. Almost two decades later, Sandy is pursuing the death penalty. She does not believe that she will find true justice in any other form. Ultimately, Sandy will have to live the rest of her life without her son. The only way she will get closure is by the implementation of capital punishment on the criminal.

California’s voters decide to keep death penalty in place:

California’s voters decided to keep capital punishment in place. The vote finished with 52% of voters  voting “no”.  California remained one of the 32 states with the maximum penalty of capital punishment.

Significant quotes:

·      “On behalf of the families of crime victims everywhere, we thank the voters of California for rejecting Prop 34 and standing up for those who no longer have a voice,”- McGregor Scott, former United States Attorney and Co-Chair for No on Prop 34.

This quote demonstrates why I believe in capital punishment. The families have a medium to which they can obtain closure and stand up for all of the lost ones.

·      “Typically, proponents of the death penalty present five justifications for its implementation: (1) reducing to zero the chances that the offender will return to society; (2) closure for the victims' families; (3) deterrence against future violations by other offenders; (4) this is the appropriate punishment for the offender of such a serious crime; and (5) rightful societal vengeance (often cited as "an eye for an eye").” – James Grey

The death penalty is delivers to families who just want to move on. The criminal will never return to society and live a life. Criminals will know that if they commit an objectionable offense, they will face full enforcement. As a member of society, I see justice served, not only to the criminal but for society as well.