How to start a Death Penalty research paper?

Hi everyone, this is my first time using essayforum and I would like to introduce myself. I'm currently a sophomore at my college. I have to do a research paper for my English class and my topic was the Death Penalty. My question is how to begin the paper. I know that i could pick either I'm against the death penalty or for it. But any I may need to some help to get started.

Good afternoon.

I suggest you begin with a rough outline, especially with a topic as vast as this one, not right off with the introduction. After all, how are you to write an in introduction to a paper that you haven't written yet?
List all of the main topics you absolutely want to discuss in the paper, followed by one interesting fact, detail, or other supporting information for each point. Once you have the content you want, then you can write a rough conclusion reiterating the main points you discussed in the body. This is where your outside research is going to really help you; you'll find interesting things you want to include, and some stuff that probably isn't very important.
Once you have all of that completed, the introduction will be much easier. You can find a catchy way to lead your readers into the paper you have already written.
I hope this helps you get started.

Best of luck!

Regards,
Gloria
Moderator, EssayForum.com