The death penalty is one of the most controversial topics debated today. Like any controversial topic, there are two sides. Each side has valid arguments for what they believe, however, I believe one side is more right than the other. Some of the topics that come into play when discussing the death penalty are the following: the cost of having someone on death row, a person's right to live, whether or not it deters crime, and the possible innocence of the person. 'defendant. Thousands of people every year are sent to prison for murder. There is debate over the exact numbers, however approximately 14,612 people were killed in 2011 (FBI). Now, that doesn't necessarily mean there were 14,612 murderers. But let's assume that each murderer committed two murders, which will leave just over 7,000 murderers who will commit these crimes. For each of these criminals, the cost is just under $50,000 per year (lao.ca.gov). So for one year the total is about $350 million. For criminals on death row it is $90,000 a year (deathpenalty.org). This equates to approximately $630 million per year. Now, granted it seems like more, but it's worth knowing that you're more protected from a vicious assassin when he's dead rather than guarded by a few locked doors and guards. Furthermore, knowing that “an average of 60-70 inmates escape each year” makes me a little uneasy (cbs-news.com). In fact, it terrifies me and I'm more than happy to have to pay a little more to keep myself safe from those killers. After all, isn't that what you pay taxes for? So our government can keep us safe from this kind of criminals. Some people aren't too concerned about the cost of death row, but... middle of paper... it decreases the chance that the criminal will be freed for "good behavior" or even the chance that they will escape. Once you're a criminal, you're always a criminal, and that can't change. Human beings are responsible for their actions. Letting a criminal roam free with someone who has never committed a crime is unfair. They lost their rights when they committed a crime, so they should not be given the same freedom as those who are innocent. The death penalty can be used as an intimidation tactic. People are afraid of dying, what better way to stop them from committing crimes? It has always been a little difficult to gather evidence against criminals. However, now, with the ability to compare a suspect's DNA to DNA at the crime scene, we are able to prove that the suspect committed that crime almost 100%. Creating no doubt that the suspect actually committed that crime.