How to Protest Capital Punishment

By eHow Education Editor

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Capital punishment is the execution of a person convicted of certain crimes by a court of law. It is also known as the death penalty. It is practiced in some fashion by 38 out of the 50 United States. Though it is sanctioned by the United States Supreme Court as constitutional, many people choose to protest capital punishment and lobby for its abolishment.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Computer with Internet access

Step1

Learn what crimes lead to a capital punishment verdict in different areas, and what other sentences are available. All states that sanction capital punishment impose it for certain types of murder, usually with aggravating circumstances. Capital punishment is the maximum sentence for such crimes, though. Lesser sentences, usually the sentence of life in jail without the possibility of parole, can also be imposed for a capital crime.

Step2

Learn the reasons why capital punishment is imposed. In most cases, the death penalty is meant to be used as a deterrent so people will be afraid to committing crimes that would warrant capital punishment. Get the facts on how--or if--the death penalty functions in this way.

Step3

Write to your congressperson. Find out her position on capital punishment and let her know yours. Tell her that you oppose the death penalty and ask her to support legislation to abolish it.

Step4

Write to your senators. Both of them. Ask them to support legislation abolishing capital punishment.

Step5

Gather your friends and family and get them to write letters as well. Gather everybody you know who agrees with your position. A few letters of protest might not get much attention, but a few hundred probably will.

Step6

Join the ACLU in its crusade to preserve the rights of those sentenced to death, such as the right to legal counsel and the right to be spared cruel and unusual punishment. Ask them what you can do to help (see Resources, below).

Tips & Warnings

Getting a capital punishment verdict overturned is a very demanding job. It can be expensive as well as emotionally distressing for the convicted and his family and friends, and the process can take years to go through.