The Death Penalty

Abstract

Every day, prisoners – men, women, even children – face execution. Whatever their crime, and whether they are guilty or innocent, their lives are lost to a system of justice that values retribution over rehabilitation. The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It violates the right to life. It is irrevocable and can be inflicted on the innocent. It has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments. In country after country, it is used disproportionately against the poor or against racial or ethnic minorities. It is used as a tool of political repression. Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all circumstances and works for its abolition in all countries.