Does the death penalty serve as a deterrent to crime? If so, why are crime rates in the United States comparatively high? What are some other countries’ responses to the death penalty?
Opinions vary. Read widely and then come to your own conclusion.
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The death penalty lowers the crime rate only for those specific individuals who suffer the penalty.
Before the death penalty can be applied, the perpetrator must be caught, tried and convicted. The probability of each of these is far from certain. For those who intentionally commit the crimes, there is a relatively common belief that they won't get caught. Those, who do not intend to do the crime, are usually so emotionally wound-up that they don't think about the consequences.
I searched Google under the key words "death penalty" to get these possible sources:
http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment
http://topics.law.cornell.edu/wex/Death_penalty
There are many other sources available.
In the future, you can find the information you desire more quickly, if you use appropriate key words to do your own search. Also see http://hanlib.sou.edu/searchtools/.
I hope this helps.
Determining whether the death penalty serves as a deterrent to crime is a complex and controversial topic. To answer this question, we can explore different perspectives and examine some relevant factors.
To assess whether the death penalty deters crime, criminologists often analyze statistical data from different jurisdictions over time. They compare crime rates in places with and without the death penalty. However, it's important to note that studying the impact of the death penalty on crime rates is challenging due to various factors that could influence criminal behavior.
One argument in favor of the death penalty as a deterrent is based on the principle of "specific deterrence." This theory suggests that the risk of losing one's life may deter potential offenders from committing capital crimes. Advocates argue that the severity of the punishment sends a strong message that certain crimes will not be tolerated.
On the other hand, opponents argue that the death penalty does not effectively deter crime. They often point to various reasons. Firstly, potential offenders might not be adequately aware of the potential consequences of their actions, or they may believe they won't get caught. Secondly, research has shown that factors such as socioeconomic conditions, education, and drug addiction can have a more significant impact on crime rates than the threat of the death penalty. Lastly, they contend that the lengthy appeals processes and the possibility of wrongful executions reduce the perceived threat of the punishment.
Coming to the second part of your question, while crime rates in the United States are comparatively high, it is not necessarily attributable to the presence or absence of the death penalty alone. There are numerous other factors that can contribute to crime rates, such as social and economic inequalities, cultural dynamics, drug trafficking, access to firearms, and the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Regarding other countries' responses to the death penalty, it's essential to note that viewpoints and practices vary globally. Some countries, including the United States, maintain the death penalty, while others have abolished it. Countries that have abolished capital punishment often argue that it violates fundamental human rights or that it is an ineffective and irreversible punishment.
Some examples of countries that have abolished the death penalty include Canada, Australia, most European countries, New Zealand, and many others. These countries often employ alternative forms of punishment, focusing on rehabilitation, incarceration, and crime prevention measures to address criminal behavior.
In summary, the impact of the death penalty on deterring crime remains a subject of ongoing debate. Understanding the complex nature of crime rates and the multitude of factors that influence them is crucial when considering the relationship between the death penalty and crime. Additionally, the responses of different countries to the death penalty vary, with some opting for its abolition and others retaining it as a form of punishment.