[shayhines]

In any academic writing, it is appropriate to use the word you, as in: When you read the research, you know that the death penalty does not deter crime.

[smoothy]

I see the teachers are still injecting their political agenda into homework assignments.

[1102568]

I don't believe you could be penalized for it, but technically using the word 'you' is not proper English. You should be using the word 'one'.

[Wondergirl]

No, it is not appropriate. And avoid using "one." Instead, recast the sentence -- The research shows that the death penalty does not deter crime.

[Enigma1999]

Also, do not speak in the first person.