The death penalty, more formally known as capital punishment, refers to a nation's policy of killing individuals as a punishment for crimes committed. Formal execution has existed from the dawn of human civilization and it was only in the 18th century that some countries started movements to ban it.
Since laws vary country by country and state by state, there is an ongoing heated debate about capital punishment. The discussion revolves around the morality of sanctioning the death of another human being, and death penalty essays delve into many philosophical and ethical questions. Should governments have the power to end someone's life? What does that say about society? What is the influence of religion in this situation?
The essays on death penalty below will answer these questions and many more. Use them as a resource and come up with your own arguments about this complex issue.