“If murderers are sentenced to death and executed, would-be murderers will think twice before killing, for fear of losing their lives” (“Prevented”). Although some may think the death penalty is harsh, "the death penalty is likely to be more of a deterrent than any other term of imprisonment because people fear death more than anything else" ("Prevents"). The death penalty is the best form of punishment for those convicted of murder, but it has many flaws. Part of the problem is that “today's laws are too lenient” (Burgado). This statement could not be more true; many murderers are serving life sentences or are free because the laws are not strict enough. “The deterrent effect of imprisonment will never be as great as that of the death penalty” (Burgado). People kill because there is a chance that there will be no serious consequences. Perhaps spending your life in prison isn't such a serious consequence. The death penalty must absolutely deter potential murderers. “Millions of people are being killed and will be killed because our justice system is not working” (Burgado). The system is too slow and not strict enough. “Death sentences remain at or near historic lows” (“End”). This is unacceptable. there are many murderers in prison who should be executed for heinous crimes. Many Americans lobby for support for death row, and many believe in the "eye for an eye" policy. The American people believe that capital punishment is the quickest and most effective way to achieve justice. For the sake of the American people and in order to achieve equal justice, the United States must reform and enforce the death penalty. The methods for executing someone are literally endless; however, there are five main types of execution...... middle of paper ......tion Center, November 1, 2001. Web. February 25, 2014. “The end of death row? » www.washingtonpost.com. Washington Post, December 30, 2013. Web. February 26, 2014. “Historical timeline. History of the death penalty. www.deathpenalty.procon.org. Np, August 13, 2013. Web. February 25, 2014. Melton, James L. “Three Good Reasons to Support the Death Penalty.” www.biblebelievers.com. NP, 1997. Web. February 25, 2014. .Stewart, Steven D. “Methods of Execution.” www.clarkprosecutor.org. The Clark County Prosecutor, 2012. Web. February 25. 2014. .