The death penalty, legal in 38 U.S. states, is the strictest form of criminal punishment allowable by law.
Execution is a controversial subject.
Some believe that it's cruel and that we don't have the right to take another's life, no matter what the circumstances. These people would like to see capital punishment abolished. Others feel it's acceptable punishment for savage criminals who are considered beyond rehabilitation. Formulating an opinion about this issue is not an easy task. The controversy over capital punishment becomes more heated when special circumstances arise.