Capital punishment has been in place since 1600 (Cole 451). However, in 1972, the United States Supreme Court ruled that the death penalty was cruel and unusual punishment, unconstitutional under the Eighth Amendment. It was public opinion that the current methods of execution, hanging, electrocution, and facing the firing squad, were too slow and painful for the person to be executed (Cole 451). The US Supreme Court overturned this decision when a "cleaner" way to cause death was found in 1976. This “cleaner” way is death by lethal injection, which is quick and painless if administered correctly (Cole 450). Since capital punishment was reinstated, many people have spoken out for and against capital punishment. Some say the death penalty is what the criminal deserves, while others oppose it because death is irreversible. I believe the death penalty is a good form of justice because only about 250 people a year are sentenced to death and they are undoubtedly guilty and do not deserve to live with the possibility of parole. The Supreme Court orders the sentencing judge or jury to look for “specific aggravating and mitigating factors in deciding which convicted murderers should be sentenced to death” (Cole 451). Some of these mitigating factors are the defendant's motivation, character, personal history and especially remorse (Costanzo). Every year approximately 250 new offenders are added to death row. In 1994 there were 2,850 people awaiting execution. Yet no more than thirty-eight people have been executed per year since 1976. This is a ridiculously low number compared to the 199 people executed in 1935 (all from Cole 451). The reason for this slow pace of execution is the appeals process, since sentencin...... middle of paper...... is a punishment that will remain active for a long time in the future, despite all the criticism. It is an ancient way of dealing with the very serious crimes that afflict our country today. It is hoped that the appeals process will be shortened, but remain effective, so that more criminals can be executed, forcing potential criminals to think twice. Works Cited Bailey, William C., "Murder, Capital Punishment, and Deterrence" 1994. Journal of Social Issues. Cole, George F., The American System for Criminal Justice 1995, New York. Costanzo, Mark "Attorney Persuasion in the Capital Penalty Phase" 1994. Journal of Social Issues. Death Penalty Discussion, September 12, 1994. Search on Turbogopher under "Execution " ".Death Penalty, May 12, 1994. American Civil Liberties Union. Search Turbogopher under "Execution." 2019 13, 1993.