The question of ethical behavior is an age-old conundrum. The prevailing problem with ethics is that it is extremely difficult to measure. A person's moral fabric is based largely on his or her particular personality traits, as well as his or her psychological state and environmental influences. Many believe that ethics are linked to a person's conscience and that good morals are often facilitated by a strong religious background. Furthermore, a person's moral development can be linked to their economic situation and cultural differences. Interestingly, although examining the state of one's moral code is challenging; everyone seems to have their own unique ethical range. Although this is an ambiguous topic, full of speculation and ambivalence, it is an attractive topic of study. A curious aspect of the ethical dilemma is that it transcends various fields of interest. The ethical question is carefully examined by philosophers and psychologists, but this topic is often introduced into other curricula. Accounting, for example, has its own set of ethical mandates. Additionally, almost every profession is influenced by a generally accepted code of ethics: doctors, lawyers, contractors, and the list goes on! In fact, almost every day an individual is faced with a moral decision. Currently, a driving ethical debate in the United States concerns the decision to embrace or abolish the death penalty. This debate is notable because it impacts different segments of society. Capital punishment can prove beneficial to our community because practicing it, appropriately and efficiently, can produce beneficial results. Consider the amount of public money being hemorrhaged into the justice system; as well as, the touching... middle of paper... athetic indifference, is it ethical for them to be granted life? Another, perhaps disparate, element of the moral dilemma of capital punishment arises from a more economic perspective. Considering all the government money is being poured into the penal system, is it “right” for taxpayer dollars to be spent to keep these people alive?! The vast majority of murderers have lost their function in society and are now supported indefinitely until they die. These people receive three meals a day, exercise, watch television and are also granted common privileges. Many of these rioting degenerates live a more carefree and structured life in prison than some poor citizens. However, the deceased victim, an often overlooked component of this intriguing debate, should be presented as an essential point of ethical scrutiny..