“The death penalty is a necessary tool that reaffirms the sanctity of life while ensuring that convicted murderers will never prey on others again” (Williams, 88). Murder rates had begun to decline in the years after 1935, but the Supreme Court began systematically overturning death penalty cases. The homicide rate quickly increased after this trend became evident (Espejo, 9). The death penalty plays a significant role in our legal system and the number of murders committed. This is a subject that has been debated for many years and continues to be so. Many factors support the belief that the death penalty can constitute a just form of punishment. Trials for capital offenses are very thorough compared to a regular trial. Before a trial begins, the prosecutor must file an intent to punish by death (Sylvester, 2). More time is spent preparing for death penalty cases, to ensure that every hypothesis is explored. There are twice as many lawyers assigned to the defense and prosecution, and a greater number of experts brought together to study the case. A Duke University study shows that capital murder trials take three to five times longer than a simple murder case. Death penalty cases conduct two trials. During the first trial, the jury determines whether the accused is innocent or guilty. In the second trial, the jury decides whether death is the appropriate punishment for the crime (Dieter, 1). To avoid a mistrial, a unanimous verdict must be found (Sylvester, 1). Evidence plays a key role in the process of each side of a capital trial. “The main effect of DNA testing will be to increase society's confidence that the man or woman strapped to the death gurney actually committed the crime” (Williams, 167). Trials conducted for capital punishment...... middle of paper ...... prisoners found ways to escape and commit crimes. Dawud Mu'min was serving a 48-year prison sentence for murder. He managed to escape from a roadworks crew and stab a shopkeeper for just four dollars (Espejo, 49). These concrete examples show how life in prison does not guarantee a foolproof sentence or protect public safety in the way that capital punishment can. “Abolishing the death penalty would promise future murderers that we will never do to them what they do to their victims. » (Espejo, 29). Every criminal must receive a punishment that outweighs his crime. Through research, the death penalty was found to be appropriate. The justice system is not there to seek revenge, but to obtain reparation. Murderers need to be aware of the harm they cause to innocent people and research supports that capital punishment can be a valid way to show them.