What would utilitarianism say about plea bargaining and the death penalty?

Read these sites; then tell us what you think.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utilitarianism

http://www.scu.edu/ethics/publications/iie/v2n1/calculating.html

To understand what utilitarianism would say about plea bargaining and the death penalty, let's first briefly explain utilitarianism. Utilitarianism is an ethical theory that focuses on maximizing overall happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people. According to utilitarianism, an action is morally right if it leads to the greatest amount of happiness, and morally wrong if it leads to more suffering or unhappiness.

Now, let's explore how utilitarianism would approach plea bargaining and the death penalty:

1. Plea Bargaining: In the context of criminal justice, plea bargaining refers to the negotiation between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Utilitarians may argue that plea bargaining can be seen as a means of promoting overall happiness and societal well-being. By resolving cases quickly and efficiently, it can save time and resources for all parties involved, including the court system. Plea bargaining also allows for the possibility of rehabilitating the defendant or preventing future crimes by providing them with a reduced sentence. From a utilitarian perspective, plea bargaining could be regarded as a practical solution that balances the interests of both the defendant and the greater good.

2. Death Penalty: The death penalty refers to the practice of executing criminals who have been convicted of certain serious offenses. Utilitarian perspectives on the death penalty can vary, as it involves weighing potential benefits and drawbacks. One argument in favor of the death penalty from a utilitarian standpoint is the belief that it deters potential criminals and ultimately reduces crime rates, leading to increased social happiness. However, critics argue that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent and that it may lead to unnecessary suffering, both for the individuals being executed and their families, potentially causing more harm than good.

In conclusion, the utilitarian stance toward plea bargaining would view it as a tool that can bring about overall social benefits by efficiently resolving cases and potentially rehabilitating offenders. However, utilitarians may have more diverse views on the death penalty, considering factors like its effectiveness as a deterrent and the potential for unnecessary suffering. Ultimately, the utilitarian perspective would focus on maximizing overall happiness, while considering the specific consequences and impacts of these practices.