Capital punishment, or otherwise known as the death penalty, is a sentencing of a person to death by the state as punishment for a crime. These crimes are called capital crimes or capital offenses. Capital punishment has been practiced in many societies; Today, 58 countries practice the death penalty, while 97 countries have abolished it. In the past, it was common for the ruling party to make the offender known throughout the community for his criminal act. So, if the community was made aware of the consequences of breaking the laws, the crime rate would decrease. These criminal penalties included: boiling to death, disembowelment, crucifixion and many more. Over time, the movement toward more humane treatments took hold. In the United States, the electric chair and gas chambers were introduced but were almost entirely replaced by lethal injection. Nonetheless, capital punishment is a part of human history and will always continue to generate controversy and debate. (Bedau)The purpose of my writing is to understand what are the causes and effects of the use of capital punishment. Advocates say the death penalty deters murder and is a good tool for prosecutors. Additionally, it ensures that convicted criminals no longer commit murder, providing just punishment for child murders, serial killers, or torture killings. On the other hand, opponents argue that we do not have the power to take the life of another human being; This therefore encourages a culture of violence that violates our human rights. Opponents also argue that the execution discriminates against minorities and the poor. Because of these many viewpoints, I believe the issue of capital punishment will continue to be a controversy. One of the main reasons why I decided to...... middle of article ......ica Have capital punishment? : Experts on both sides make their points. New York: Oxford UP, 2004. Print. Bonner, Raymond. The New York Times. The New York Times. Internet. March 19, 2012. .Costanzo, Mark. Just Revenge: Costs and Consequences of the Death Penalty. New York: St. Martin's, 2001. Print.Espejo, Novel. Does capital punishment deter crime? San Diego: Greenhaven, 2003. Print. Jost, Kennth. “The Online QC Researcher”. CQ Researcher by CQ Press. September 23, 2005. Web. February 29, 2012. Tucker, William. “Capital punishment work”. The weekly standard. Internet. March 19. 2012.