Develop three counter-arguments to the following argument for the death penalty, and support these with up to four references. You must also include a reference list(not counted in the wordcount).

The death penalty is a necessary part of a comprehensive criminal justice system for a variety of reasons.

First, our societies are based on the idea that crimes should be punished according to their severity. The death penalty is reserved for the worst of crimes, such as murder.Why should a murderer be allowed to live out the rest of their lives in relative comfort, paid for by the public? To continue to house, clothe and feed them for the remainder of their natural life at taxpayer expense makes a mockery of justice. They gave up their right to life when they took the life of another person, and justice can only be served by their lawful execution.

Second, thedeath penalty saves lives.Would-be murderers have a better reason to think twice if they know their life is on the line. Ultimately, only the most severe punishment possible will dissuade the most violent crimes. Only then will it be clear that the good guys aren't messing around, because taking an innocent life would mean forfeiting your own.

Third, theexecution of a criminal is the best way to provide closure to the family of their victim. They can finally put the crime behind them and move on, knowing that there is no possibility of the person who took away their loved one ever leaving prisonand walking free.