Death Penalty - JustifiedOur criminal justice system faces many problems today. Some of the biggest are overcrowded prisons, rising murder rates, and taxpayer complacency. In light of these issues, I believe the death penalty is our best and most reasonable solution because it provides a very effective deterrent to murder. And taxpayers would be happy to know that their hard-earned tax dollars are not wasted supporting incorrigible criminals who pose a menace to society. Additionally, they would not be required to fund the development of new penitentiaries to make room for the growing number of inmates in our already overcrowded prisons. Furthermore, the death penalty would serve to curb the growth of future crimes and, therefore, the number of prisoners would also decrease. Thus, overcrowding in federal and state penitentiaries would be eliminated. In this essay, I will discuss these ideas and demonstrate why capital punishment is the best viable solution to the problems plaguing our criminal justice system. Capital punishment could solve our problem of increasing murder rates because it is a very effective deterrent. “The death penalty deters murder by making potential murderers fear death. A person is less likely to do something if he thinks that harm will happen to him” (Studyworld 1). This fear of death is the key to reducing the murder rate. Frank G. Carrington informs us that Louis Joseph Turck..., an ex-convict with a criminal record dating back to 1941, was arrested on May 20, 1961 for theft. He had used guns in previous robberies in other states, but he only pretended to carry a gun during the robbery here [Cal...... middle of paper...... ng taxpayers, and other problems facing criminals in the justice system. As we have seen, this can act as a deterrent and reduce the murder rate. Additionally, the death penalty would increase space in overcrowded state and federal prisons. Additionally, it satisfies taxpayers because it requires less tax money and can eliminate the need for additional prisons. Therefore, capital punishment should be instituted everywhere. Works consulted “Advantages of capital punishment”. World of study. November 20, 2002. Carrington, Frank G. Neither cruel nor unusual. New York: Arlington House Publishers, 1978. Jacobs, Nancy R, Alison Landers, and Mark A. Siegel, eds. Capital punishment - cruel and unusual?. 1979-1996. 7th ed. Texas: More Information, 1996.