Affirmative argument: The death penalty is a violation of human rights and is an ineffective deterrent to crime. It is also disproportionately applied to marginalized communities and individuals, leading to a system that is inherently biased and unjust. Abolishing the death penalty would align with international human rights standards and promote a more just and equitable criminal justice system.
Negative argument: The death penalty serves as a necessary deterrent to heinous crimes and provides a sense of justice for victims and their families. It also serves as a form of retribution for the most serious offenders, ensuring that they are held accountable for their actions. Abolishing the death penalty would undermine the criminal justice system and fail to provide closure for victims and their families.