How Does Punishment Fit The Crime

Whether it is a minor or major crime, there is always a punishment not far off. Depending on how extreme the crime, determines the punishment. Different cultures throughout time have had various methods of punishment. Often punishments were determined by the towns people. As cultures have progressed, governments have taken full control in deciding their citizen’s punishment. Many times, the phrase “the punishment does not fit the crime” is accurate. Too harsh of sentences can be part of the justice system. One punishment that is too extreme is the death penalty. The death penalty is not the most efficient or wholesome way for America to punish its high-crime criminals. Although the death penalty viewed as unethical, many believe that it is a beneficial part of society. Because of the intimidation factor, many possible criminals can fear the death …show more content…
Often in the past, many people have been wrongly given the death penalty. These people were wrongly put to death and accused of doing a crime that was not committed by them. In 2000, Gary Graham was executed due to a crime he did not commit. The witness wrongly testified that it was him. Also, the murder weapon did not match up to the weapon he was carrying at the time. Graham was still put to death for a crime he did not commit. He is not the only person who has ever been accused of a high crime that they did not commit. Thankfully there were cases where the accused were found to be innocent and released from death row. These people were still put through a long process that took many years, if not decades. They were undeserving of this treatment. They were innocent people that had to go through this process. Not only did some have to go through this long ordeal, but also were falsely put to death. Freddie Lee Pits powerfully stated, “you can release an innocent man from prison, but you can’t release him from the grave.”