death penalty – n. death as a punishment given by a court of law for very serious crimes

ensure – v. to make (something) sure, certain, or safe

deter – v. to cause (someone) to decide not to do something

overwhelming – adj. very great in number, effect, or force

context – n. the situation in which something happens; the group of conditions that exist where and when something happens

impose – v. to cause (something, such as a tax, fine, rule, or punishment) to affect someone or something by using your authority

assume – v. to think that something is true or probably true without knowing that it is true

instance – n. an example of a particular type of action or situation; an occasion of something happening

capital punishment – n. punishment by death; the practice of killing people as punishment for serious crimes

schizophrenia – n. a very serious mental illness in which someone cannot think or behave normally and often experiences delusions

emerging – adj. newly-created or -noticed and growing in strength or popularity; becoming widely-known or established           

awareness – adj. a feeling, experiencing, or noticing of something (such as a sound, sensation, or emotion)                                         

reserve – v. to have or keep (something, such as a right) for possible use at a future time

consistent – adj. continuing to happen or develop in the same way

What is your opinion of the death penalty? Is it used in your country? If so, how often is it carried out and how are people put to death? Write your thoughts in the comments section. We want to hear from you.