The Misconception of The Death Penalty Capital punishment is the intentional killing of criminals convicted of serious crimes such as murder and rape, by means of lethal injection, electrocution, hanging, firing squad or gas chamber. It is obviously the most severe form of criminal punishment. Capital punishment is a controversial way of dealing with violent criminals. The main alternative to the death penalty is life in prison. Capital punishment has been around for thousands of years as a means of eradicating criminals. The debate between supporters and opposers of execution, over the morality and effectiveness of the death penalty continues