Are We Taking Gods Place Essay, Research Paper

Are We Taking GODS Place?

AUSTIN (AP) – The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals has upheld the death sentence of an Cameron County man convicted of kiling two man he thought raped his wife in 1991.

But at least two judges said Wednesday they believed the wrong man has been sentenced to die.

Paul Richard Colella, 27, was convicted in September 1992 for shooting David Taylor and Michael Lavexphere on Sept. 12., 1991.

Six judges affirmed the conviction. But Judge Charles Baird wrote in a dissenting opinion, with Judge Morris Overstreet concurring, that an accomplice was the more likely killer. (Colella, Paul Richard Feb. 7 2001)

The death penalty is an issue that has been debated for many years, and will be a highly debatable topic in the future. Because the death penalty has never been a clear-cut rule, there is much controversy on whether it is a cruel and savage act of justice or a socialized, humane source of punishment. In addition to the fact that innocent people could be sentenced to the death penalty, we as a society do not have the right to take one another s lives; two wrongs do not make a right.

Americans are granted constitutional rights that can not be taken away from the individual. Accordingly, each and every person is entitled to a fair and speedy trial. The possibility remains that the lawyer did not fight enough for the innocent person, and therefore, the innocent could be accused of murder, a crime punishable with the death penalty. Although this does not occur very often, it should never take place.

In a society of freedom, our freedoms should not be taken advantage of and misused. Each individual living creature is created by a higher power. The United States of America was founded as a society with morals and values and most importantly, God. Plants and animals are made for us by God to eat and enjoy, natural death is made by God to regulate population and the death penalty is made by man to punish those who kill. The right to kill those who kill is not granted to any individual, therefore, the death penalty is not a right any person can take advantage of and use as punishment.

Punishment for wrongdoing is acceptable, but cruel and unusual punishment is against the law. If our society punishes those who commit horrible crimes such as killing another human being, then is it not considered cruel and unusual punishment to penalize a wrong with a wrong? Children grow up being taught that two wrongs do not make a right, so why is it that children are being taught this lesson when it is truly our justice system that needs this lecture.

Our society is caught up in trying to do what is right, when all it needs is a wake-up call. The crime of murder is considered inhumane; yet, to kill someone by the electric chair or lethal injection is considered punishment. Simple lessons that we learn in life, such as, two wrongs do not make a right, should be taken with each individual as we learn and absorb them and make them a part of our daily lives. The death penalty may eliminate the murderer; however, it can also eliminate the innocent.

Colella, Paul Richard Innocent on Death-

Row. February 7. 2001 Feb.7 2001

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