Financial costs related to capital punishment

Capital punishment is one of the most debated topics in the world. Human rights groups and various other opponents constantly question how another human being can be killed in the name of justice. Several of them also claim that capital punishment incurs many expenses, which are borne by taxpayers. While the execution itself is inexpensive, there are several other costs incurred by the administration when a convicted criminal is on death row.

Test cost

Due to the requirements established by the Supreme Court of the United States, cases in which the death penalty is requested are usually more expensive compared to cases in which the death penalty is not requested. All potential jurors should be thoroughly questioned about their views on the death penalty. During the course of this questioning, which takes a few days, there are additional costs associated with paying the prosecutors, defense attorneys for court personnel, and the presiding judge. Jury selection can be a lengthy process in capital cases if opposition attorneys are not satisfied with the jury panel selection.

In addition, the accused can bring experts and witnesses of character. The testimonies of these experts and witnesses are important as they could help the defendant beat the death penalty and obtain a lesser sentence. Therefore, this also adds a burden to the cost of the test.

Attractive

If a person is sentenced to death, they can appeal the sentence. This means that more costs are incurred due to the lengthy appeal process. The average duration of an appeal process in the case of capital punishment is about 15 to 20 years. The Urban Institute study revealed that due to the lengthy appeals process, in the state of Maryland, state prosecutors spend $ 1.9 million more to obtain the death penalty in a case compared to a case in which the punishment is incarceration. in prison.

Incarceration costs

For as long as a death row inmate is appealing his sentence, incarceration is mandatory. This increases the basic cost of housing the prisoner in a prison. Furthermore, prisoners on death row are more likely to harm themselves or others and are therefore housed in a separate prison compared to the general prison population. This is also an additional expense, which is borne by the state.

Conclution

The costs associated with capital punishment are immense, and sometimes because of this, many state governments prefer to abolish capital punishment, as incurring this expense could negatively affect other law enforcement measures. In fact, money spent in capital cases could be better used to improve the overall situation of law and order in a state.

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