The Honorable [Governor's Name]
[State’s Name]
[Address]
Dear Governor ____________,
I am writing this letter to request you to take appropriate measures for abolishing capital punishment on the state as well as federal level. I am against capital punishment and would like you to consider the fact that the United States of America is actually standing alone among the world’s democratic countries in its persistent employment of the capital punishment. I must mention here that next to Pakistan, China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, the American government executed the largest number of death penalties in 2007. Being uniquely positioned as the Governor, you must be aware of the damage such executions have caused to our country’s reputation. These lawful but brutal actions have even caused a friction in our relationships with our closest allies. I would like you to kindly take a bold step so that American can abstain from punishing people by killing them in the name of law. It is the high time American government turns its back from this clear practice of barbarism. Mr. Governor, I can give you more convincing reasons capital punishment should be abolished. Since 1973, about one hundred and thirty individuals from twenty-six states have been freed from the death row in the United States as they were proved innocent (Ogletree & Sarat, 2009). Even the ethical theories nullify capital punishment. For instance, utilitarianism theory negates the idea of capital punishment as it clearly disapproves any punishment that is employed for making the criminal pay for his offensive activities. Instead, it believes in retribution so that more people can be benefitted with the consequences.
Kindly consider the declaration of moratoriums on death penalties by Illinois and Maryland governors in the recent years. Moreover, New Jersey’s Governor Jon Corzine has also taken concrete steps against capital punishment by signing an abolishment law. I request you to present your standpoint before the American people and support the abolishment of capital punishment from the perspective of human rights.
Sincerely yours,
________________
References
Ogletree, C., & Sarat, A. (2009). Rocked but Still Rolling. In The Road to Abolition?: The Future of Capital Punishment in the United States. New York: NYU Press.
