Date of Award

Spring 4-29-2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Major

Human Rights & Political Science

First Advisor

Professor Stefanie Chambers

Second Advisor

Professor Benjamin Carbonetti

Abstract

This thesis delves into the multifaceted debate surrounding the death penalty in the United States, exploring its constitutionality, morality, and implications for the justice system. Drawing from legal, philosophical, and empirical analyses, it argues against the continued practice of capital punishment, contending that it violates fundamental human rights, inhibits rehabilitation efforts, and fails to align with evolving societal norms. The discussion navigates through historical contexts, international perspectives, and philosophical theories of punishment, examining the right to life, methods of punishment, and evolving standards of decency. It underscores the tension between retributive justice and the protection of human rights, highlighting the complexities inherent in the capital punishment debate. Empirical research comparing states with differing approaches to the death penalty sheds light on the impact abolition would have on crime rates, public sentiment, and the broader American justice system justice system. Despite complexities in data interpretation, the thesis emphasizes the need to prioritize ethical and moral considerations in shaping criminal justice policies. The thesis concludes with recommendations for advocacy and policy reform, advocating for federal abolition of the death penalty and empowering grassroots movements to drive change at the state level. It underscores the importance of public engagement and legislative action in shaping a justice system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punitive measures, projecting that if this path is followed abolition will be possible within the next 20 years. Ultimately, the thesis presents a compelling case for the abolition of the death penalty in the United States, calling for a shift towards a justice system that upholds human rights, promotes rehabilitation, and reflects evolving societal norms.

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