The Death Penalty

Paper Summary:

This paper presents many arguments in opposition to the death penalty as a deterrent. The author asks if in fact the death penalty does serve as a deterrent, why do the many Western countries that have abolished the death penalty have lower murder rates than jurisdictions in the United States that still considers it a viable punishment. The author believes that while the death penalty may serve as a retribution, there is little sociological evidence to support that someone is deterred more by the prospect of being executed than the prospect of a life sentence without possibility of parole.

Table of Contents
Effectiveness of the Death Penalty as a Deterrent to Criminal Homicide
Pros and Cons of Death Penalty
Cost of Life Sentence without Parole vs. the Death Penalty
Recidivism
States That Impose the Death Penalty and Form of Execution
Retribution, the Family and Society
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent depends on the degree to which the average criminal actually weighs the consequences of his behavior prior to acting. Criminal homicide is loosely divided into categories based upon level of intention. To the extent that criminal homicide is unintentional or in the heat of passion, the criminal does not weigh consequences at all; and so the criminal would not be deterred by the death penalty. To the extent that criminal homicide is intentional or premeditated, a number of psychological mindsets are possible beforehand. The criminal might assume he will get away with it (and therefore, he does not need to worry about possible punishments). Or, the criminal might think he will get caught."

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