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"The Death Penalty: Justice or Human Rights Violation?"

The death penalty (also called capital punishment) is a punishment that executes criminals who commit serious crimes. Some people believe it is appropriate for certain criminals, while others strongly oppose it. I believe that the death penalty should not be used in modern society because it has a high risk of executing innocent people and it is neither morally nor ethically right, as it violates human rights.

to begin with, the death penalty can lead to irreversible consequences. We sometimes read in the news about cases where innocent people were executed by mistake. When this kind of mistake is made, the consequence can never be undone. This shows that our justice system is not perfect and can make serious errors.  Even the most advanced legal systems cannot guarantee complete fairness, and a single wrongful execution can result in a permanent loss that no amount of apology or compensation can fix. Moreover, the death penalty raises a crucial question: if an innocent person is executed, who would take responsibility for the wrongful punishment? Allowing even one mistake completely defeats the purpose of justice because the role of justice is to protect the innocent. Due to these irreversible risks that cannot be undone, the death penalty should not be used.

Additionally, the death penalty is neither morally nor ethically acceptable because it violates basic human rights. Amnesty International, an organization that protects individuals rights, considers the death penalty as a "cruel, inhuman, and degrading punishment" (Amnesty International). This highlights that how the death penalty goes against the most basic principles of human rights. By the end of 2024, 113 countries had abolished the death penalty (Amnesty International). This shows that more and more nations are starting to see the death penalty as an outdated and unjust form of punishment. For instance, the European Union declares the death penalty "incompatible with human dignity" and officially includes a total ban on capital punishment in its Charter of Fundamental Rights. This sets a powerful example for other countries. This is because it shows that it is possible to ensure public safety while still respecting human rights, the rejection of the death penalty reflects humanity's commitment to a justice system that values life, dignity, and human rights.