“I am not a proponent of the death penalty, but I will enforce the law as this Congress gives it to us.” This quote from Eric Holder, the first African American Attorney General of the United States, reflects what many Americans feel, a loyalty to their country and the law but an inner conflict about the death penalty. The history of the death penalty is ugly, starting for women in May 27, 1647 when Alse Young was executed for being a witch in Connecticut. Across cultures and for hundreds of years, the death penalty has been used to punish a variety of crimes. That said, just because it’s been done and is still being done today, doesn’t mean it’s right. In honor of Alse Young and her unfair execution, we’re giving you 10 reasons why the death penalty is such a divisive issue.
