Final answer:
The death penalty is controversial, with supporters viewing it as a deterrent and opponents considering it immoral and concerned about the risk of executing innocents.
Step-by-step explanation:
Opinions on the death penalty have evolved over time in the United States, reflecting changes in societal values, legal standards, and evidence-based critiques of its efficacy and fairness. One opinion in favor argues that the death penalty serves as a necessary deterrent, preventing future crimes by instilling fear of the ultimate punishment. Advocates of this view suggest that by maintaining the death penalty, we ensure that the most heinous crimes receive a commensurate response, potentially saving lives by deterring would-be criminals.
However, opponents of the death penalty point to moral and practical concerns. They argue it is fundamentally immoral to take a life as punishment, echoing the belief that state-sanctioned killing is inherently wrong. Moreover, the risk of executing innocent people cannot be discounted, as DNA and other forensic evidence have exonerated individuals posthumously. Additionally, opponents highlight the lack of conclusive evidence that capital punishment effectively deters crime, making it an unjust and arbitrary practice that fails to achieve its intended purpose.