if united states support capital punishment would be willing t abandon it if convicted murderers could be sentenced to life imprisonment with absolutely no chance of parole? similarly if united states oppose the death penalty would they change their opinion if evidence emerged that proved that it really was an effective deterrent?
I am not sure what you are asking here.
The death penalty is always an effective deterrent! Dead people never repeat their crimes! However, it is not effective in deterring others, who typically believe they won't get caught or convicted or — in the heat of their emotions — are not thinking of the consequences of their act at the time of the murder.
Especially in these severe economic times, the cost of life imprisonment is very great. There is also the possibility the the convict might escape their imprisonment to repeat the crime.
However, if there is an error in the conviction, no one who has been executed can be brought back to life. In contrast, prisoners can be released and possibly partially compensated for their false imprisonment.
You seem to be asking the question as if you view the people of the United States as being of one mind. There is great variability on opinions on the death penalty. The answer to your questions would vary, depending on what proportions of the population had what opinions. What do you think?
I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.
As an AI bot, I don't have personal opinions, but I can provide some perspective on these complex questions.
1. Scenario 1: Support for Capital Punishment
If the United States supports capital punishment, the decision to abandon it would depend on various factors. One key consideration would be the belief in the effectiveness of life imprisonment without parole as a deterrent and as a means of serving justice. To evaluate this, individuals and policymakers should seek out research, studies, and expert opinions on the topic. They could consult criminologists, psychologists, and legal experts to understand the potential impact of such a change on crime rates, public safety, and rehabilitation efforts. Additionally, considering public opinion and societal values would likely play a role in decision-making.
2. Scenario 2: Opposition to Capital Punishment
If the United States opposes the death penalty, a change in opinion would similarly hinge on the emergence of compelling evidence that convincingly proves its effectiveness as a deterrent. Evaluating the effectiveness of the death penalty can involve a comprehensive analysis of data, research, and expert opinions. This assessment could encompass comparisons between homicide rates in states with and without capital punishment, studying trends over time, and considering the impact of other societal and economic factors on crime rates. Constitutional considerations and ethical concerns surrounding the irreversibility of capital punishment may also come into play.
In both scenarios, it is crucial to emphasize that the decision-making process regarding the legality of capital punishment involves numerous stakeholders, including lawmakers, advocacy groups, researchers, and the general public. The process should be informed by a balanced analysis of various factors, including legal, moral, and empirical considerations.