The death penalty is at the center of much controversy within our society and government. Most people consider it a sensitive topic, rarely making it a hot topic in general conversations. The problem usually increases blood pressure and can also have a tendency to end life-long friendships. The country is divided on the issue and does not seem to find the will to compromise. Even if this is not true, this does not calm the voices of those who support capital punishment. The issue of the death penalty is completely unconstitutional as it goes against our rights undoubtedly enshrined in the Constitution. The death penalty, also called capital punishment, is the death sentence after a trial that finds the suspect guilty and/or responsible for a crime. (“Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty”). The road to the current concept of capital punishment was paved and shaped by the laws established in the Code of King Hammurabi of Babylon in the 18th century BC (“Introduction to the Death Penalty”). The sentences were usually carried out in a variety of different ways that are almost unheard of in today's society, in other words drowning, crucifixion and impalement. During the 10th century AD hanging became the primary method used by courts to punish criminals. Subsequently, William the Conqueror would only allow the hanging of criminals if a murder had been committed or if they were currently involved in a war. Under his reign it only lasted for some time, after King Henry VIII racked up as many as 72,000 executions while he was king. The number of crimes considered punishable by death increased over the next two centuries. A century later, the standard for capital punishment was somewhat more severe; a g...... middle of paper...... America." Pew Research Center. (2008): page no. Web. October 17, 2011. http://pewforum.org/Death-Penalty / A-passionate-debate-and-overview-of-the-death-penalty-in-America.asp&xgt;..>.Harrison, Brigid Callahan and Jean Wahl Harris American DemocracyNow 2nd edition Inc., 2011. 654. Print. "Introduction to the death penalty." Death Penalty Information Center. (2011): page no. 17 October 2011. "Should the death penalty be banned as a form of punishment?". :page no. October 17, 2011..White, Deborah. "Pros and Cons of the Death Penalty.". 2011..