2007-03-11 14:20:48 · 4 answers · asked by shaq 1 in Social Science ➔ Economics
It doesn't . The death penalty has been proven to not be a deterrent. Mainly, because it is not "swift," or, contemporaneous with the act. Most parents of small children can tell you that any form of punishment must be meted out immediately or there is no connection in the child's mind of the conduct = punishment. Same is true with the death penalty. Most states provide such a lengthy appeals process that either the penalty is not carried out, or it is so far removed from the occurrence of the offense, it loses any propensity as a deterrent.
2007-03-11 14:28:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm not sure it's really a deterrence. It's hard for me to believe that people are thinking that rationally when they kill somebody. If they are thinking rationally, then I don't believe they really care about consequences.
The death penalty really serves two purposes:
1. It often makes the families of those who were killed feel better.
2. We no longer have that person on the planet.
2007-03-11 14:29:27 · answer #2 · answered by TechTeachr2000 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
THE DEATH PENALTY IS AN UNPROVEN METHOD BEING USED TO LOOK POLITICALLY CORRECT. WE HAVE WAY TOO MANY NUMBERS OF MEN CONVICTED OF RAPE AND MURDER THAT DNA CLEARED THEM OF. WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHERS WHO WERE CONVICTED 30 YRS AGO ON EYE WITNESS TESTIMONY ALONE. NOW WE KNOW IT IS THE WORST. DETERRENCE? HA. A STOP SIGN DOES NOT DETER PEOPLE FROM RUNNING THEM. THERE MUST BE INSTANT RESPONSIBILITY TAKEN FOR CRIMES AND THE LEGAL SYSTEM DRAGS IT OUT SO LONG THEY JUST WANT IT OVER. AND THE JURY SYSTEM? FORGET IT. NO ONE WANTS TO BE ON A JURY. LET THE JUDGES TRY THE HARD CASES. FELONS WHO WANT TO COMMIT CRIME ARE NOT DETERRED BY A PRISON SENTENCE.
2007-03-11 14:29:53 · answer #3 · answered by dtwladyhawk 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, they won't do it again. While that may not count as a choice or a deterrence, the effect is the same.
2007-03-11 14:28:48 · answer #4 · answered by dBalcer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋