It has become a social issue in society with some people in support while others are against it. The purpose of punishment for a criminal is to change him or teach him a lesson, but capital punishment teaches criminals nothing because they are killed. Therefore, this type of punishment should be abolished because it does not deter crimes, nor does it teach them since their lives are ended. There are other ways to punish criminals and deter crimes besides capital punishment and it is better to imprison criminals, rather than kill them. The death penalty should be eliminated and other forms of punishment and deterrence should be instituted in its place, because innocent lives are being lost and at the same time people are being denied their right to life. I firmly believe that capital punishment must be eliminated because it is inhumane, immoral and wrong, as are the methods used.