The document discusses the history of the death penalty from ancient civilizations to its introduction and use in Britain and America. It notes that the earliest death penalty laws date back to 18th century BC in other civilizations. During the reign of King Henry VIII in Britain, an estimated 72,000 people were executed. The abolitionist movement began with the writings of European theorists like Montesquieu and Cesare Beccaria's influential essay "On Crimes and Punishments". The document also lists some perceived advantages and disadvantages of the death penalty.

1. DEATH PENALTY
RAQUEL BAÑOLAS SUÁREZ
MILÁN SANTANA BAÑOLAS

2. EARLY DEATH PENALTY LAWS:
• The first established death penalty law date in the Eighteenth Century
B.C., and it used in other civilizations from the past, for example, in the
Hittie code (Fourteenth Century B.C), the Draconian Code of Athens and
the Roman Law of the Twelve Tablets.
• In Britain (Tenth Century A.D) hanging was the usual method of execution.
• During the reign of Henry VIII 72,000 are estimated to have been
executed.

3. Death Penalty in America
and
The Abolitionist Movement
• The first recorded execution was the execution of Captain George Kendall
which was a spy for Spain.
• The abolitionist movement started with the European Theorists
Montesquieu, Voltaire and Bentham.
• Cesare Beccaria’s essay, “On the Crimes and Punishment”, had a strong
impact throughout the world.

5. The possibility exists that innocent people
men and women may be put to death

6. It sends the wrong message: “why kill
people who kill people to show killing is
wrong?”
• Accountability: responsability

7. The endless appeals and required
additional procedures clog the court
system
• Clog: block
• Attorney: lawyer
• Back up: delay

8. We as a society have to move away from
the “eye for an eye” revenge mentality if
civilization is to advance

9. It is useless because it doesn’t bring
the victim back to life.

10. Death penalty
Advantages of the capital
punishment

12. Death penalty gives closure to the
victim’s families who have suffered so
much

13. It creates another form of crime
deterrent

14. DNA testing and other methods of modern crime scene
science can now effectively eliminate almost all
uncertainty as to a person’s guilt or innocence

15. Prisoner parole or escapes can give
criminals another chance to kill

16. It contributes to solve the problem of
overpopulation in the prison system