Capital punishment has been in this country since the beginning (Connors 38). Even today, the federal government and thirty-five states retain the right to impose capital punishment (Mysliwiec 254). In fact, in 2011 and 2012 each, forty-three inmates were executed across the country (Usage 6). However, twelve other states have completely abolished this practice for various reasons and six others that retain this right, but have not executed anyone since 1976 (Henningfeld 35). This has sparked quite a debate among Americans, as some see it as morally corrupt because it involves taking the lives of others, and others see it as permanent justice (19). There have been many fights and debates over whether or not capital sanctions should be abolished in the United States and proponents on both sides of the issue have some genuinely valid arguments (Connors 26, 35, 38; Henningfeld 34). First, those who fully support the death penalty must admit that the technique is not absolutely perfect. There is always the possibility that an innocent person will be convicted and then executed (Connors 35; Henningfeld 34). Furthermore, it is not possible to guarantee that the criminal put to death will die without extreme pain or suffering, which violates the Eighth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution (Connors 26). However, those who oppose the death penalty must also consider the benefits of executions, such as crime prevention (Connors 38; Cromie and Zott 54). Everyone, on both sides, can agree with these statements. Capital punishment can be dangerous, not only for those who actually commit crimes, but also for those who are suspected of such crimes (Connors 35; Henningfeld 34). Unfortunately, never mind the multiple adjustments...... middle of paper ......3d#db=buh&AN=51455853>.Mysliwiec, Paul. "The Federal Death Penalty as a Safety Valve." Virginia Journal of Social Policy and Law 17.2 (2010): 257-280. Internet. March 9, 2014. Saad, Lydia. “Support for the death penalty in the United States is stable at 63%.” Gallup Poll Briefing (2013): 2. Web. March 6, 2014. “The use of the death penalty is becoming rarer in the United States” Christian Century 130.2 (2013): 16. Web. March 9 2014 .