Death penalty in a global
Explain the death penalty in a global context.
Explain the statement; the death penalty in a global context, and describe the difference(s) and or support of the death penalty around the world as compared to the United States. Furthermore, what economic concerns impact the United States (U.S.) by mostly supporting the death penalty. Consider the following concepts to formulate your paper:
Criticism of the United States for supporting the death penalty and human rights, a contradiction of terms
The U.S. policy on the death penalty and world economic reform
The world trend toward abolition
Students are expected to critically analyze and evaluate the death penalty topic listed above.
Sample Answer
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, remains a highly controversial topic with stark contrasts in global perspectives. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Global Trends:
- Abolition on the Rise: A global trend towards abolition of the death penalty is evident. Over 170 countries have abolished capital punishment in law or practice, with many citing human rights concerns and the fallibility of the justice system.
- Retentionist Countries: The United States remains one of the few developed nations that continues to actively support the death penalty. China is believed to be the world’s leading executioner, followed by Iran, Saudi Arabia, and a few other countries.