Literature Review: Capital Punishment

Amelia Tomi

Professor Kerley

English 102

24 April 2011

Literature Review: Capital Punishment

The death penalty is necessary as a social science and moral guide. Arguments for the death penalty based on the Bible are “deterrence, protection of society, rehabilitation, and retribution” (Blaskovich 4). The death penalty is threat but also a promise. If someone decides to defy the laws of society then they forfeit their rights to live. The laws of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam state that God believes that sin is punishable by death. The death penalty is seen by the majority of the world as a deterrence, morality, and justice.

            The death penalty is deterrence against murder. The bible states that the death penalty was a great deterrent because no matter social standings, if a capital crime was committed it was punishable by death, Deuteronomy 13:11 (Blaskovich 2). Many countries find the death penalty an appropriate deterrence in society.

Capital punishment also debates morality. Religions of the world agree that “an eye for an eye and a tooth for tooth” is the only justice (Blaskovich 2). The punishment needs to be equal to the crime. Do unto others what you would want done to you. If someone chooses to murder, than they are willing to be murdered. Murder shows a lack of respect for oneself, society, and God. The Jewish people fear God’s wrath and “if the sin is not atoned for, the entire community may suffer at hands of God” (Blaskovich 2). To punish the sinner is biblical and necessary for the greater good. For one person to commit murders, means they feel they are better than God and have the right to determine who lives and who dies. Some may say that this contradicts the sixth commandment; however it does not because the government has the right to commit acts the individual cannot (Blaskovich 5). Deuteronomy 21:18-21 states that a man shall be stoned to death if he is rebellious against his family and community. Judaism, Christianity, and Islam agree that death is a suitable punishment for capital crimes. Since these are the three most popular religions in the world and they each support the death penalty, then most citizens of the world also support the death penalty.

The support of capital punishment is overwhelming. Countries that no longer have the death penalty find that their citizens support the death penalty and its role in society, same goes for the countries that still do have the death penalty (Blaskovich 33). “A majority of the American public consistently stated that they favored the death penalty for persons convicted of murder” (Blaskovich 33). The controversy over the death penalty is not evenly distributed. The mainstream of society sees the death penalty as a fixture in society. It is a good deterrence, and proof of justice at work.

The death penalty is approved by the majority of the world for its deterrence, morality, and justice. Many find that capital punishment is a successful treat against committing a capital crime such as murder. Religion finds the death penalty to be a staple in their judicial system. The punishment must be equal to the crime. Justice is the only reason for punishment, and the death penalty is the only form of justice when dealing with murder. Capital punishment is necessary and supported in the world of the twenty-first century.

Let's Get One Thing Straight!

26 April 2011

I'm not a writer! I enjoy writing on someday, but only some days. It's not a passion of mine. It's fun, different, and something I can do while my roommates are being annoying and I need to escape. Writing is my escape from the real world, it's not my world! It's a refuge from the everyday run of the mill shit I go through. So no, I will not be switching my major from Biology/Chemistry to English. I have a passion, a drive, a carefully built relationship with science and no minor liking of a subject can break the bond we've created. I enjoy writing because I'm not forced! I'm not forced to be someone/something while writing, I'm not forced to write, Not forced to write about something specific, not forced! Writing allows me to say everything I can't or won't say! When I write it's just me and the computer. There is no filter, no judgment, no resentment, no rules, no expectations. This is just me having fun. Stop telling what I need to do, don't tell me to switch majors, don't even talk to me about writing. It's not meant for you to read, it's for me! It's my twisted version of therapy, get your own! I don't care if it's good. It has no other purpose than to be raw, truthful, honest, and a little mean, and that's good enough for me! So, I'm not a writer, I'm the girl who can never find the right words to say, so I write them. I've never been good with words, my mouth doesn't have the room for everything I want to say, but a page never runs out of space. Pages never run out, you can write as much as you want to to get your point across, but conversations have time limits, and not half of what is needed to be said gets said, nonetheless what you want to say. I write to say everything I can't say within a twenty-four hours time period! I write so I don't explode with emotion and thoughts! I don't believe in expressing emotions, they take up to much time, turn into disappointments, and are subjective. So, I don't waste my time talking/expressing emotions in everyday conversations or everyday manor, so I bottle them up and write about them. Like I said, I write with no great purpose other than to not go insane!

Love,
I write, I'm not a writer!

Are We Done Yet?

26 April 2011

I get that my post are bi-polar but thank you for sticking with it. I know on some days I relish in the thought of free writing, of posting anything but not today! Aaron has started to assign post that are trying my patience. I mean we already post on blogger and have to turn in our assignments through Blackboard, which is fine but now we have to post in a third place! The discussion board, not only my least favorite aspect of Blackboard but now I have to post almost the same info in three different places! I don't have the time and more realistically the patience for that! Your killing my Aaron! But lets move on...the play list. I understand it's an artistic way to express your feelings and creative way to get to know people and their projects. However, it's just busy work! How does that help my research paper, a paper the course revolves around but we haven't even started it. I mean we've done small papers leading to the research paper but we haven't spent time talking about the paper. We talk about Aristotle's view on Rhetoric instead. I studied Aristotle's philosophies in high school, I'm over it! And I feel no connection between Aristotle and my research paper. Let's focus, can we? I mean this avoiding the issues is just going to hurt us in the end. I just want to start the paper. I'm already sick of writing already, and we haven't even started the writing aspect of the class. Just give me the guidelines, the direction, the rules I need to know for the research paper and let me go! Time in class is wasted over discussions that to be honest, I tone out! The class confuses me more than just letting me write. I'm done, so done! I'm over it!

Love,
Put me out of my misery!

Aristotle’s Rhetoric-What a deep thinker!

Rhetoric is truth, honest, and just by Aristotle’s notion. There are "there divisions; the speaker's power of evincing a personal character which will make his speech credible (ethos ); his power of stirring the emotions of his hearers (pathos ); his power of proving a truth, or an apparent truth, by means of persuasive arguments (logos )" (Chapter 2).

Rhetoric is just a way to express oneself in a deeper manor than other styles of writing. Rhetoric allows the author to put them self into the paper more than most types of writing. Rhetoric asks the author to display his ethos, and explain his thoughts in greater depth. Rhetoric allows the author to free write, to write without strict guidelines, to make the writing their own. Rhetoric allows the author freedom to convey any topic in their own format.

Like ethos and ethics, rhetoric has no one path. Everyman can choose for himself which path to take and how to convey an ethical/ethos life. Rhetoric is just the type of paper that expresses an ethical/ethos stance.

Love,

The Aristotle of the twenty-first century!

Literature Review

So, remember when I freaked out over the literature review? Yeah, I was way over reacting. Oops! I started writing it today in class, and the words just flowed! Now, I'm not saying I'm doing it correctly, but I'm at least doing...doesn't that count? I'm writing the paper and feel that I have a good start and handle on things. I hope, what can I say? I'm a dreamer! And hey, dreams do come true, and if they don't...don't tell me! It's the little things that get me through life! But now my Literature Review is mostly done and I'm almost ready to approve of it. I have a bad habit of not liking the end product. I work on a paper for days, weeks, and in the end its done and I'm disappointed. There is always more to say. Always something else that pertains to the topic because the topic doesn't end when the ink runs out. No, that's when the topic begins! No topic only lives in black in white, but in every color of the rainbow. This paper is done, not complete. There is more to say, more to discuss and more to learn. I'm thirsty for knowledge but the glass only holds 8 oz at a time. So here we go, this is the first portion of my knowledge. The first portion of my journey towards enlightenment!

Love,
I love writing without boundaries!

Thesis, What's that?

19 April 2011

THESIS?! What's that? Who needs one of those? How important is a thesis to a paper, really?
A thesis is so direct and sets out for a specific destination. I'm more of a journey girl, fill up the tank with gas, forget the map, and drive, see where you end up! A thesis is that annoying parent telling you to turn down a certain street because that's how they would go, but no one appreciates that advice, it's to controlling. A thesis is a controlling boyfriend, the guy who looks pretty until he opens his mouth. I hate thesis because they're too controlling, to picking, to general, and to specific. I understand the thesis is suppose to be the guide throughout the paper, however as a writer it's a stop sign. It tells you what you can and cannot write. It tells you what is worthy and unworthy to be in that paper. A thesis is a snob, who believes that it's a part of an elite group and has the right to deny access to an idea. I write this out of bitter, hatred, and fear. Bitter because I don't know what my thesis truly is or if its worthy and states what I need to to say. Hatred because I loath writing and thesis' are the backbone of any written text. And it would be unfair of me to hate the product and not the source! And finally, fear, I fear that my paper will not follow my thesis or that my thesis will not be strong enough to lead a paper.

Love,
Arguing with a idea! Don't Judge!

Idea-less!

19 April 2011

Confusion does not even begin to describe my feeling towards the Literature Review! I understand that that you have to example my sources and synthesis them to prove my thesis. I just have no idea how to do so. It's not that the professor did not explain the assignment well, its just that I personally have no direction. I do not know where my paper is going. I've researched and thought about my stance on capital punishment, which has not changed, but I don't feel that I have a strong direction or more importantly a new understanding. This sucks! I hate writing but writing without a direction is dreadful! I have no passion or drive for this assignment, which is not helping me focus and write a kick-ass literature review. I fear that I'm wearing my self thin this quarter between all my classes and pray that it does not show! I can do this! This paper shouldn't be this hard, just start writing! Put pen to paper, or in the twenty-first century fingers to keysboard, and let the cursor guide you!

Love,
The Thunder calmed me, Aaron freaked me out!

Guided by the Weather!

19 April 2011

They say the weather can effect your emotions. Well, I didn't believe that until today. Today I sat in class where the roar of the thunder competed with the voices in lecture, a true battle for dominance. I love sitting in class watching the windows cry as drops of rain race down to the window pain, its creates a calm feeling on campus which makes any hectic, stressful, resentful day better, in a weird sense. And even though the rain will wreak havoc on my hair, I thank it for slowing down my day. I don't know if its pure intimidation from the cracking lighting and grunts of the thunder that makes me realize I can do the mound assignments lying on my desk or the if I received a sense of urgency for complete this assignments. I believe that the thunder snapped and echoed through out campus to remind me their is something bigger out there, something more important than a minor freak out about homework, and with the his help I can do anything! So as I start to write my paper contemplating capital punishment, I am overwhelmed with relief and gratitude.

Love,
The Thunder is my Dr. Phil!

Class Brings New Insight!

12 April 2011

I found today's class very helpful, long but helpful! I hated the annotated bibliography and feared it was inadequate. But after today's meeting, I found out that most people had the same fears as myself and now I am in good company. It was a nice change to see my professor today as well, class has not met in a week and it has been too long. I enjoy the security of a classroom. A classroom is where the Socratic method is put to use, a discussion revolving around questions and answers. A place where no one is judged but applauded for their desire to expand their knowledge. It's nice to have a professor that talks with you, instead of to you. He involves you in a conversation instead of a lecture, which is a nice change of pace. I am no longer being taught a subject but experiencing the topics and education. In class I don't feel like a student striving to be a scholar but a prised member of the academic world.

Love,
A scholar formerly known as student!!=

My New Found Glory!

I'm ready to let you in on a secret, promise you wont tell? I kinda like posting these blogs! I know, like many of my fellow class mates I feared for the worse. I thought I would have nothing to say, or be scared to post something and sound stupid. But these posts have become helpful and kind of enjoyable. I'm not a fan of writing or reading but expressing myself without boundaries is exciting and fun! Also, they are a great way to get my feeling out about the upcoming assignments. No matter how uplifting or depressing my thoughts and feeling may be they can be expressed freely without judgement on my blog. (If you are judging this, just don't tell me!) During projects I usually find myself freaking out and worrying about every little detail, details class mates and professors don't always want to hear. That's why this blog has become my new (and only) diary. I always made fun of girls who wrote in a diary/journal, I mean I saw no point in wasting paper over a few thoughts and emotions. However, my attitude has completely changed! I'm sorry for once judging girls who found a voice through writing in a diary. I now see the good it can do and appreciate it. I mean the blog is here willing to listen and be apart of every freak out, break down, and achievement during this process. I can talk to the blog as a friend and be free to state my mind. This is a one sided converstation, but to be frank, I don't care to know what the other side of the conversation would be. So, thank you blog and for all of you followers who will periodically check in on my progress (just because your assigned to, but never fear I do not hold grudgeis and understand your commitments are elsewhere). I am sure to have some unpleasent moments during my higher education process and am comferted by the fact that you will never weary or leave my side (labtop). Through the good and bad, happy and sad, cheerful and dimising, we are bonded and will achieve greatness together!

Love,
A new friend and new voice is found!

Playlist

This playlist will reflect the multitude of emotions I have experienced thus far in my research process.

1. "Alright"-Darius Rucker
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etr7UtnUflM
    At points through tout my research I have felt that everything will be "alright." This song represents that feel good about my progress and have high hopes for the end result.

2. "Another Day"-Rent
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MwJbrMHaNTU
     Even though the majority of my research has gone well there has been times where I have resented it. I have wanted the assignments to be over with and for me to not have to deal with them. I was busy with all of my classes this past week and wished that my annotated bibliography would come back "another day."

3. "Disturbia"-Rihanna
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1mU6h4Xdxc
     My topic for research is Capital Punishment. The idea of sentencing someone to death is horrible and upsetting. Even though I am pro-death penalty, the cases of death row inmates are morbid and disturbing. After spending hours in the library reading over murder cases and the different forms of torture used as the death penalty, one becomes disturbed with their surroundings.

4. "Everyday America"-Surgarland
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntQPddLf97g
     My research showed that "everyday Americans" supported the death penalty. This song describes typical Americans, these Americans represent the people who support the death penalty.

5. "Fearless"-Taylor Swift
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptSjNWnzpjg
     It may sound strange, but this topic has made me feel "fearless." Capital punishment is a controversial topic and causes many debates. I found that my devotion towards the death penalty fight makes me feel badass. I am set in my belief that the death penalty is necessary in today's society and even though it may not be an opinion accepted by all, it is my opinion and stand by it.

6. "Gunpowder and Lead"-Miranda Lambert
     http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh2dZWH762w
     This song reminded me of the different styles of executions used for the death penalty. One form method of the death penalty is shoot where "gunpowder and lead" are the ultimate killer. This song is an example of the thoughts and feels of unjust citizens getting what they deserve.

Love,
I built my soul on rock 'n roll!!

Research Proposal

8 April 1011

Justice is a controversial issue that has pledged the world since Adam and Eve. What kind of punishment is too harsh, and what punishment is equal to the crime? Prison holds inmates who have committed petty offenses but for those who commit a crime against the community and God, a greater debt needs to be paid. Capital punishment is the ultimate price for the ultimate crime.

Rita J. Simon and Dagney A. Blaskovich reference the Bible in A Comparative Analysis of Capital Punishment, when stating “an eye for an eye, and tooth for tooth.” This quote means that the punishment should be equal to the crime, like the death penalty for murder. The Old Testament in the Bible, which is the foundation for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, clearly states that capital punishment is accepted through God’s laws. Most people who stand against capital punishment try to hind behind religion as an excuse. However, the majority of the world’s population is either Christian, Jewish, or Islamic, and all of their faiths fully support the death of criminals.

Criminals have forfeited their human rights the moment they decided they could live above the law, and kill innocent people. Even though their acts were of cruel and unusual nature, the government has gone to great lengths to make their death humane. After years of torturous methods like hanging, beheading, shootings, and the electric chair, governments went to great lengths to make the death penalty humane. This introduced the lethal injection, which brought with it a humane death for criminals but an ethical issue for the medical field. Most medical professionals saw their jobs as healing people not killing them. Even though doctors did not approve of such an act, they still leaned help when making the lethal inject humane. Three steps were outlined in Lethal Injection by Amnesty International, “an anesthetic to induce unconsciousness, a paralyzing agent to stop breathing, and a toxic agent to stop the heart.” Murders now fall into asleep for entirety for robbing the community of an upstanding citizen.

For further research I would like to read cases on death row inmates. These cases could give insight on the reasoning behind the conviction and how the community reacted. Also I would further research the support of the death penalty verse the criticism against it. Through my initial research I found that most people support capital punishment, even if their government does not.

First Day of Research

5 April 2011

Today was my first day of research. After spending five hours in the stacks of Langsam pouring through books, I was able to find my first four sources for my paper. I feel like four sources in five hours is a good start to the research process. However, after anaylizing these texts I'm not sure what direction I will choose for my paper. I know my stance will be pro capital punishment, but there are many directions I could take to prove my arguement. I think I will prove my arguement through the lense of religion views, ethicial debates, and justice in society. I am passioniate towards my topic, but fear my passion will not show through the facts and direction of my paper. It's too early to start freaking out about the paper though, so I will do the only thing I can do, research. I'm headed back to Langsam, we've built a great relationship so far this year and I have confidence that she will not let me down. Together we will construct a paper that will convience even the most stuborn anti-death penalty supports to reconsider their stance, and help me receive an A!

Love,
It's too early to freak out, right?

Research Ideas

1.       Death Penalty

a.       I am Pro-Death Penalty.

b.      Some say that the Death Penalty is cruel and unusual punishment. However, the crime committed which lead to the sentence of the Death Penalty is cruel and unusual.

c.       The Death Penalty is seen as inhumane, however the criminals are non-humans. No human could murder someone in cold blood. The men and women who kill are just like rabid beasts that need to be taken out of society.

d.      Without giving it a second thought the criminals took away the rights of innocent people,

e.      I believe you reap what you sew.  You kill people; people get to kill you in return.

f.        http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/

g.       http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/

h.      http://deathpenalty.procon.org/

2.       Women in the Military

a.       I am pro women in the military.

b.      If women are willing to fight for their country why shouldn’t they be allowed to?

                                     i.      Women can do anything a man can do
                                     ii.  As long as the woman puts her mind to it, she can achieve it.

c.       America is one of few countries that allow the women to have a voice. America preaches that it is a free country, and is the land of opportunity.  So, America should allow women the same opportunities as men, and let them fight.

d.      Women just want to help. They feel just as patriotic as men do about their country. They want to help and be a part of the change in the world.

e.      http://www.cdi.org/issues/women/combat.html

f.        http://www.militarywoman.org/forums/

3.       Gay Marriage

a.       I am pro-gay marriage

b.      The relationship between a same sex couples is not different than a relationship between a heterosexual couples.

c.       . Most are against gay marriage because of the views expressed in the Bible. However, the Bible says to love the sinner and hate the sin

d.      http://www.bidstrup.com/marriage.htm

e.      http://www.balancedpolitics.org/same_sex_marriages.htm

4.       Abortion

a.       I am unsure on my views of abortion.

b.      I feel that you made the choice to have sex, so you should full accept the consequence of that act, in this cause a child.

c.       However, in a cause of a rape, the issue is fuzzy. They did not choose to have sex and should not be forced to live with a reminder of that horrible event.  And would probable hurt/abuse the child out of anger.  But I do not think it is right/fair for that child to not have a chance at life.

d. http://womensissues.about.com/od/reproductiverights/a/AbortionArgumen.htm

5. Health Care

      a. I am against the Health Care Reform

      b. I do not think it will help our society. There seems to be more problems with the new system nad no one wants to face the issues. 

      c. The details of the new Health Care was not thought through. People have questions and the government is unable to answer them becuase they do not know.