What is your opinion on crime? Do you think criminals should be punished when they commit a crime? Capital punishment is the death penalty. It has been used since ancient times to punish a variety of offenses. It is still used today in all but thirteen states. The death penalty is the harshest possible punishment to receive. It is only used for the worst of crimes and criminals. It is important for preserving law and order, deterring crime, and keeping costs less than life imprisonment. Some people believe it also honors the victim, helps console grieving families, and ensures that the criminals will never have an opportunity to cause future tragedy.