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Use Of The Death Penalty In Truman Capote's In Cold Blood

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In the novel “In Cold Blood” the death penalty is discussed as a punishment for the characters Dick and Perry, murderers of the Clutter family. People who commit crimes, such as murder deserve a punishment equal to or more harsh than the crime they committed. This would be called retribution, which has a much different concept than revenge. These people do not deserve a free place to live and three meals a day, this is not a punishment. Just because Perry had a “troubled upbringing”(Capote, page 185) doesn't mean he deserves a mild punishment, he must face the repercussions for the crime he committed. Although Perry says “I meant to call his bluff”(Capote, page 244) meaning he did not intend for Dick to kill the Clutters, he still deserves to be punished the same as Dick because he participated in committing the crime. The death penalty is a barbarous punishment, therefore it should only be used in appropriate cases such as murder or other serious crimes. Criminals will always be criminals, and will not change, therefore they do not deserve a second chance. I feel that they should suffer just as their victims did. Holding these people in prisons is very costly and if they are not going to ever be released there is no need in keeping them there.It has also been …show more content…
This is also a way to insure the safety of the United States. It has been said that “the only way the public can be absolutely protected is to have the death penalty against the defendants”(Capote, page 258). There is no sense in holding a terrorist and taking the risk of them escaping. No matter how secure a prison or holding place is there is always a risk of escape. Repeat murders and foreseeable murders would also be deterred if capital punishment was enforced. Although some people do not believe in capital punishment, it is definitely the safest option for all

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