Death Penalty Argumentative Writing Assignment

This assignment explores the debate over the death penalty, also known as capital punishment. You will read a passage that presents arguments both for and against the death penalty, including its effectiveness, fairness, and moral implications. After reviewing the provided materials, you will write a paragraph stating which side you believe makes the strongest argument, using evidence from the readings to support your reasoning.

The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is when the government puts a person to death for committing very serious crimes, like murder. People who support the death penalty believe it helps prevent crime because people might be less likely to commit terrible crimes if they know they could be sentenced to death. They also think it brings justice for the victims and their families by making sure the person responsible pays the highest price. Supporters also believe that it protects society by making sure dangerous criminals can never hurt anyone again. They argue that for the worst crimes, the punishment should be just as serious. On the other hand, people who are against the death penalty think it is unfair because sometimes innocent people are sentenced to death by mistake. They also say that the legal process for the death penalty costs a lot of money—more than keeping someone in prison for life. Opponents argue that it does not actually stop people from committing crimes and that it goes against human rights because taking a life is wrong, even for punishment. Many people believe life in prison without the chance to get out is a better choice. Around the world, some countries have stopped using the death penalty, while others still use it. In the United States, each state gets to decide if they want to use it or not. The argument over whether the death penalty is fair, effective, and right continues today.

"Capital Punishment." Gale Opposing Viewpoints Online Collection, Gale, 2025. Gale In Context: Opposing Viewpoints, link.gale.com/apps/doc/PC3010999123/GPS?u=nape29724&sid=bookmark-GPS&xid=a7c820ed. Accessed 13 May 2025.

Given the reasons stated in the article, which side makes the strongest argument and why? Use two developed pieces of evidence, including two quotes from the article, to support your reasoning. Your answer should be one paragraph that contains a topic sentence, correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and ends with a concluding sentence. Your paragraph should follow this format:

• Topic Sentence
• Introduce Quote (Gives context/set the scene)
• Integrate Quote (Part of a larger sentence and flows)
• List and Cite (MLA in-text citation w/punctuation)
• Analysis (2+ sentences that explain and connect)
• Transition
• Introduce 2nd Quote (Gives context/set the scene)
• Integrate 2nd Quote (Part of a larger sentence and flows)
• List and Cite (MLA in-text citation w/punctuation)
• Analysis (2+ sentences that explain and connect)

Concluding Sentence (Reiterates claim)