Kye Cruz
Professor Clements
English 1301-TR 9:10
02 October 2012
Death Penalty in Texas
The death penalty is a way of justice to those victimized. It is a crude action that decides the fate of individuals. It is an important issue because there are people for it and against it. For those living in the State of Texas there are certain regulations for crimes to fit the capital punishment. Whether these laws are 100% correct is the issue I want to bring up.
History of the death penalty dates back to colonial times, but for Texas as far back as 1800’s. Between the years 1819-1923 hanging was the means of execution. In 1923, the State of Texas authorized the use of the electric chair, and executed the first offender by “electrocution.” The electric chair was in effect until 1964 after 361 inmates were executed. In 1972, the U.S Supreme Court declared capital punishment as “cruel and unusual” and all people on death row were commuted to life sentences. In 1973, revision to the Texas Penal Code allowed executions to resume and the State of Texas adopted lethal injection in 1977. In 1996, close relatives and friends of the deceased were allowed to witness executions by means of justice.
People have argued over the death penalty since it began, but in 1958 it was suggested against the eighth amendment. People complained that it offended society’s sense of justice, religious views and human rights. Therefore, the Supreme Court began “fine tuning” the way the death penalty was administered. Several cases were brought forth to the Supreme Court and during this time the death penalty was “suspended” because the statutes were no longer valid. There were also some pro’s that came up about the death penalty. It reduced future crime, it gave justice to those deceased, and it was a cheaper than prison for life. After years of speculation the death penalty was reinstated and