The issue of capital punishment has been one of heated debate since the reinstatement of the death penalty by the Supreme Court in 1977. There are many good points on both sides of this highly emotional issue; however, there is only one that can be consistently backed up with more than just emotional rhetoric. The death penalty is not only a tool of justice; it is a method of deterrence that can be backed up with …showed first 75 words of 1339 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1339 total…YMH0K> Sharp, Dudley. "Death Peanlty and Sentencing Information." Pro Death Penalty. 1 Oct. 1997. 20 Mar. 2004 <http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/DP.html>. Resources." Pro Death Penalty. 1 Oct. 1997. 20 Mar. 2004 <http://www.prodeathpenalty.com/Resources.htm>. Hall, Charlene. "Jennifer Ertman & Elizabeth Pena." Murder Victims. 26 Sept. 1996. 20 Mar. 2004 <http://www.murdervictims.com/Voices/jeneliz.html>. O'Sullivan, John. "Deadly Stakes." National Review Online. 30 Aug. 2002. 16 Mar. 2004 <http://www.nationalreview.com/jos/jos083002.asp>.