When building an opinion, Koch needed to focus on the foundation of the government and what would be best for the community overall in New York. In the essay, “Death and Justice”, Koch forms a hypothetical opinion on why the death penalty is a good idea and then proceeds with seven numbered statements that have been formed against the death penalty. Given these statements, he collected facts and personal experiences to combine them into a strongly based argument against each claim. This technique is very useful and persuasive because while providing a common idea within society, he can then administer a well-thought out essay opposing the idea in order to persuade the reader one way or another or to simply educate the reader on the topic. Because the death penalty is so controversial, Koch had to consider all points of view and was able to by using the list of claims to conclude that the death penalty is beneficial overall despite what others argue. Within his argument, Koch kept a steady mood of calm and courtesy as he addressed each point. The essay in general is simply persuasive and therefore each support is worded respectably to the …show more content…
He was searching to provide points to defend the initial reactions to the death penalty and how it provides justice to not only the victims, but the victim’s families, as well. Through his structural analysis of the Constitution, personal experience through becoming a U.S. Congressman and the Mayor of New York, and many other documents such as the 10 Commandments and natural law, Koch could form a valid opinion on a controversial subject and then appropriately present it to his readers. He incorporated statistics, true stories, and an analogy to assist his claim that the death penalty is an appropriate resolution to heinous crimes such as murder to avoid injustice to the victims. Though the controversy still stands, Koch undoubtedly pled his