Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished?

Fifty years after the Supreme Court reinstated capital punishment, the death penalty remains one of America's most divisive issues. Supporters argue it delivers justice for the most heinous crimes, provides closure for victims’ families, and ensures the worst offenders can never kill again. Opponents point to wrongful convictions, racial disparities, and the moral consequences of allowing the state to take a life, arguing that life without parole is enough. Now we debate: Should the Death Penalty Be Abolished? This ethical conundrum is at the crux of this week's debate, originally broadcast in April 2015.  

Arguing YES: 

Diann Rust-Tierney, Executive Director of the National Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty 

Barry Scheck, Co-Director of the Innocence Project and Professor at Cardozo Law School 

Arguing NO: 

Robert Blecker, Professor at New York Law School 

Kent Scheidegger, Legal Director of the Criminal Justice Legal Foundation 

Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates 

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