Death Penalty - Justified Our criminal justice system faces many problems today. Some of the most notable ones are overcrowded prisons, rising murder rates, and taxpayer satisfaction. In light of these problems, I think the death penalty is our best and most reasonable solution because it is a highly effective deterrent against murder. And taxpayers would be happy to know that their tax dollars are not wasted on supporting incorrigible criminals who pose a threat to society. Furthermore, they would not be forced to fund the development of new penitentiaries to make room for the growing number of inmates in our already overcrowded prisons. Furthermore, the death penalty would serve to curb the growth of future crimes and consequently the number of prisoners would also be reduced. This would eliminate overcrowding in federal and state penitentiaries. In this essay I will discuss these ideas and demonstrate why capital punishment is the best viable solution to the problems plaguing our criminal justice system. Capital punishment could solve our problem with the rising murder rate because it serves as a highly effective deterrent. “The death penalty discourages murder by instilling fear of death in potential murderers. A person is less likely to do something if he thinks harm will come to him” (Studyworld 1). This fear of death is the key to reducing the murder rate. Frank G. Carrington informs us that Louis Joseph Turck..., an ex-convict with a criminal record dating back to 1941, was arrested on May 20, 1961 for robbery. He had used firearms in previous robberies in other states, but in the robbery here he had only pretended to carry a gun [Cal...... center of paper ...... taxpayers and the other problems they face deal with criminal justice system. As we have seen, it can act as a deterrent and reduce the murder rate. Furthermore, the death penalty would increase space in overcrowded state and federal prisons. It also satisfies taxpayers because it requires fewer taxes and can eliminate the need for additional prisons. Therefore, capital punishment should be instituted everywhere. Works consulted “Benefits of capital punishment”. Studyworld. November 20, 2002. Carrington, Frank G. Neither Cruel nor Unusual. New York: Arlington House Publishers, 1978. Jacobs, Nancy R, Alison Landers, and Mark A. Siegel, eds. Capital punishment: cruel and unusual?. 1979-1996. 7th ed. Texas: more information, 1996.