The first established death penalty laws date as far back as the Eighteenth Century B.C. The death penalty was also part of the Fourteenth Century B.C. Death sentences were carried out by crucifixion, drowning, beating to death, burning alive, and impalement. Britain influenced America's use of the death penalty more than any other country did. The first recorded execution in the new colonies was that of Captain George Kendall in the Jamestown colony of Virginia in 1608. Many died for their crimes but many deaths were unfair. The death penalty does not give a fair trial and there for it shoould not be used.

The death penalty is not applied fairly and should not be used. In many cases ther are different factors that qualify on to death. For example, one it can depend on the county in which one commited the crime and can also depend on the race or the race of the victim. Unless the jury is trustworthy one does not know wether they are racist or may not be a fair person. A defendants life can depent on the lawyer which they can not afford, and therfore are assingned one. Many lack experience in capital cases that they fail to investigate the case throughly. A defendant who is not represented properly is more likely to be given a death sentence. Different counties handle cases differently and what one believes is fair the other may not. In many cases race plays a major factor on the decision made. There are people who seek the death penalty to get rid of convicts because of overcrowded jails. It does not help because who is to say that law breaking is ever going to stop. It unecessry one action as the persons attitude because at times it is a mistake or brought on.