In the United States there has been a debate on whether the death penalty should be applied or not. It continues to be a controversial issue in today's world. Some favor the death penalty, believing that the punishment should fit the crime and that it is the only way necessary to reprimand those who have committed a terrible crime. Others believe that the death penalty violates human rights and is inhumane, merciless and cruel. In Kenneth Jost's article "Death Penalty Controversies," he explains that critics and opponents of the death penalty warn that capital trials and sentencing hearings are extremely flawed and inadequate and risk leading to the execution of innocent people ( Jost 785). “Proponents of capital punishment ignore the warnings, pointing out that opponents cannot name a single person in modern times who has been executed and subsequently proven innocent” (786). Because DNA testing can allow inmates to confirm their innocence years after conviction, the debate over wrongful and wrongful convictions has increased in recent years. “The Supreme Court recently opened its term with two closely watched cases pending over rules that allow state inmates to use newly discovered evidence to challenge their convictions in federal courts on the basis of actual innocence and constitutional violations” (786 ). There is currently debate as to whether or not states should impose a freeze on executions. In fact, many Americans support the death penalty. “Nearly three in four Americans support the death penalty, but only 61 percent believe it is applied fairly in this country. Americans believe innocent people have been executed in the past five years, but the percentage who believe that way d. .. half of the paper... work while in prison to allow at least some reason and dignity into their life If a prisoner works within the compound, it should be a fraction of their earnings to pay for their confinement. Another alternative would be to remove a prisoner from parole. This could provide the public with protection and safety from repeat offenders. Bibliography, Thomas Theologica, London: 1920. Connors, Patrick McCormick. New York . Hobbes, Leviathan Ed. Richard Tuck, 15, 785-. 808. http://library.cqpress.com/cqresearcher/cqresrre2005092300. Document ID: cqresrre2005092300.John Paul II. Message to the Vatican: 1998.Mill, John. Utilitarianism. Adelaide:1998.