There are three main “degrees of murder”. There's third-degree murder, which is a little more complicated than the other two. When people do not meet the standards for first or second degree murder, they are usually classified in this category. Third degree murder is unpremeditated murder. The next level is second degree murder. This degree is classified as intentional, but not premeditated, murder. The highest degree is first degree murder. This is an intentional and well thought out plan to kill someone. To be charged with this degree means to say that you thought about how to seek out and kill your victim. People guilty of first-degree murder could be tried for the death penalty. This is where I get a little confused. We kill these people because they kill someone else. It's a “lose-lose situation”. People say the victim's family wants closure. I'm sorry to say this, but killing the killer won't bring your family member back. The death penalty is crude and unnecessary. “Currently 38 states apply the death penalty. The United States is one of only five countries known to have executed defendants who committed their crimes when they were under the age of 18” (Weathers). Before a person can be sentenced to death he must meet certain requirements. They are asked questions such as, “Is the defendant mentally ill?” “Did he or she have a choice?” “Did he or she know right from wrong?” “Could he control himself?” (Andrews). There are some people who may have a sick disease who truly don't know right from wrong. These people, of course, cannot be punished for an action they cannot help. There is also another step in the sentencing process that involves the defendant's past... middle of document......n, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8, 2013. Tess MSJones, MichelleBeck, James C "Psychiatry and the death penalty". Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8, 2013. Brodsky, Stanley, Tell L. Neal, and Michelle A. Jones. “A Reasoned Argument Against Banning the Involvement of Psychologists in Death Penalty Cases.” Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8, 2013. McCarthy, Michael. "Lethal Injection Challenged as 'Cruel and Unusual' Fate." Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8, 2013. McCarthy, Michael.Petrie, Owen. “New Jersey Committee Recommends Abolition of Death Penalty.” Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8, 2013. Weathers, Diane M. “Praying for a Miracle: Live from Death Row.” Psychological and Behavioral Sciences Collection, December 8, 2013. Web. December 8. 2013.