The death penalty is one of the most controversial topics debated today. Like any controversial subject, there are two sides. Each side has valid arguments for what they believe, however, I believe one side is more right than the other. Some of the arguments that come into play when discussing the death penalty are: the cost of having a person on death row, a person's right to live, whether or not it deters crime, and the possible innocence of the accused. people are sent to prison every year for murder. There is debate over the exact numbers, but in 2011, approximately 14,612 people were murdered (FBI). This does not necessarily mean that there were 14,612 murderers. But let's imagine that each murderer committed two murders, which would leave just over 7,000 murderers committing these crimes. For each of these criminals, the cost is just under $50,000 per year (lao.ca.gov). So for one year, that's about $350 million. For criminals on death row, that's $90,000 a year (deathpenalty.org). That's about $630 million a year. Now, sure, it seems like more, but it's worth knowing that you're more protected from a vicious killer when he's dead rather than guarded by a few locked doors and guards. Furthermore, knowing that “on average 60 to 70 inmates manage to escape from prison each year” makes me a little uncomfortable (cbs-news.com). In fact, it terrifies me and makes me more than okay with having to pay a little extra to protect myself from these killers. After all, isn’t that what taxes are for? So our government can protect us from these types of criminals. Some people aren't too bothered by the cost of death row, but ...... middle of paper ...... reduces the chances that the criminal will be sentenced to death. released for “good behavior” or even for the possibility of escape. Once a criminal, always a criminal, nothing can change that. Humans are responsible for their actions. Letting a criminal go free with people who have never committed a crime is unfair. They lost their rights when they committed a crime, which is why they should not have the same freedom as those who are innocent. The death penalty can be used as a scare tactic. People are afraid of dying, what better way to stop them from committing crimes? Evidence against criminals has always been a bit difficult to gather. However, with the ability to match a suspect's DNA to that of a crime scene, we are able to almost 100% prove that the suspect committed this crime. Creating no doubt that the suspect actually committed this crime.