Global Breaking News - Tuesday, December 24, 2024

Most industrialized nations have stopped executing criminals. But the death penalty is still legal in many parts of the United States. Public opinion studies show that support for the death penalty among Americans is lower than it once was. But it remains strong -- at around 60 percent. However, the same surveys show that even death penalty supporters have concerns about the justice system and the way executions are carried out.
* execute = 처형(사형)하다/ criminal = 범죄자, 범인/ death penalty = 사형/ justice system = 사법제도

When people are put to death in the prison in Huntsville, Texas, death penalty opponents often demonstrate outside the building. "Today, around the state, people are gathered to say 'No!' to the death penalty." Texas carries out more executions than any other state. Last year, it put 16 people to death. Surveys show most people in Texas support the death penalty. Dudley Sharp is among those supporters. He says executions ensure that killers do not kill again, and persuade others not to kill. “The evidence that the death penalty deters no one doesn't exist. The evidence that the death penalty deters some people is overwhelming.” He says most family members of murder victims support the death penalty. But he says they do not celebrate when someone is put to death.
* put sb to death = ~를 처형하다/ carry out = ~을 이행(수행)하다/ ensure = 보장하다/ deter = 단념시키다, 그만두게 하다/ overwhelming = 압도적인, 너무도 강력한(엄청난)/ murder victim = 살이 피해자, 피살자