Ielts Academic Writing Task 2 Sample 66

Capital punishment (the death penalty) is a controversial issue. Some argue that it is an effective deterrent against crime, while others believe it is morally wrong and should be abolished. Share your perspective on this matter.

As a controversial issue, capital punishment evokes strong emotions and ethical considerations. While some argue that it serves as an effective deterrent against crime, others contend that it is morally wrong and should be abolished.

Proponents of the death penalty often cite its potential deterrent effect on crime rates. They argue that the fear of facing the ultimate punishment may dissuade individuals from committing heinous crimes, thereby protecting society and promoting public safety. However, empirical evidence regarding the deterrent effect of capital punishment remains inconclusive, with studies yielding mixed results and alternative explanations for fluctuations in crime rates.

On the other hand, opponents of capital punishment emphasize its moral and ethical implications. They argue that the state-sanctioned taking of human life is inherently wrong and violates fundamental principles of human rights and dignity. Moreover, the application of the death penalty is plagued by issues of racial bias, socioeconomic disparities, and wrongful convictions, leading to the irreversible loss of innocent lives and perpetuating injustices within the criminal justice system.

In my perspective, the moral arguments against capital punishment outweigh any potential benefits it may offer as a deterrent against crime. The inherent risk of executing innocent individuals, coupled with the unequal application of the death penalty, undermines its legitimacy and fairness as a form of punishment. Instead of resorting to the death penalty, societies should focus on addressing root causes of crime, promoting rehabilitation and restorative justice, and fostering a more humane and equitable criminal justice system that upholds the inherent dignity and rights of all individuals.

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