The Death Penalty is Not Effective

906 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: How effective is capital punishment

The death penalty is one of the most controversial topics in the criminal justice system. Does it really deter crime? Is it cost effective? Are those being charged being fairly represented? These are a few questions brought to mind when considering the effectiveness of this punitive punishment.

When considering if capital punishment deters death penalty crimes there are many factors to look into. Many views supporting the penalty are simply because people think it saves other lives and cuts down on murder rates. This, however, is untrue. The view that capital punishment deters crime is based on belief, not evidence. (Donohue,Wolfers,2006)

A group of studies done by a group of Emory University, called the Emory studies, has given four difference works and shown deterrence rates for the country. The first study used 3,054 counties in a span of 19 years (1977-1996) to conclude that both sentences and executions lower homicide rates. (Radelet,Laycock,2009) The second study used monthly murder and execution data from 1977 to 1999 to prove that each sentence led to 4.5 fewer murders and actual execution leading to three fewer murders.(Radelet,Laycock,2009) The third study proved that when the death penalty was banned that murder rates when up in 91% of the states, and when it was reinstated 70% of states homicide rates when back down. In the last report, the Emory group found that deterrence is only prevalent when a state has nine or more executions a year. When there was less than nine the deterrent effect was nonexistent or murder rates actually increased in the response to the executions.(Radelet,Laycock,2009)

Many other studies on deterrence have proven similar things. Paul Zimmerman did a study and initially thought each exe...

... middle of paper ...

...er states are enforcing capital punishment, the irreversible punishment's effectiveness is declining. There is not any proof of deterrence and it is exponentially expensive. Capital punishment has taken innocent lives and may continue to do so. Considering these three factors concludes that the death penalty is not effective and in the coming years it will continue to decline in effectiveness.

Works Cited

Richard C. Dieter, 2004. Innocence and the Crisis in American Death Penalty

Richard C. Dieter, 2009. Smart on Crime, Reconsidering the Death Penalty in a Time of Economic Crisis.

John J. Donohue, Justin Wolfers (2006). The Death Penalty: No Evidence for Deterrence.

Traci L. Laycock, Michael L. Radlet, (2009). Recent Developments. The Journal of Criminal Law & Criminology. 99 , pp.489-508

Deathpenaltyinfo.org/innocence-and-death-penalty

Show More
Related

  • Writing Assignment 1

    731 Words  | 2 Pages

    According to Radelet & Borg (2000), deterrence was, in the past, the most frequently-cited reason for arguments in support of the death penalty. The claim stems from a belief that potential criminals will be less likely to commit severe acts of violence if they know that those who carried out similar crimes before them were put to death – in much the same way that heads on pikes at the gates of a city were intended to deter criminal activity in the Middle Ages. Recently, however, many studies have concluded that the death penalty offers no significant deterrent effects, and the few which claim to find support for these effects have received substantial criticism (Radelet & Borg, 2000). The majority of both criminologists and law enforcement officers surveyed expressed that they do not believe the death penalty offers any difference in the amount of violent crimes committed (Radelet & Borg, 2000).

    Read More

  • What Are The Pros And Cons Of The Death Penalty

    2104 Words  | 5 Pages

    This paper will examine the pros and cons of the death penalty. Is it a deterrent or is that a myth. Does it give the family of the victim peace or does it cause them to suffer waiting for appeal after appeal. What are the forms of execution and any evidence of them being cruel and usual punishment. Is the death penalty fair if there are glaring, disparities in sentencing depending on geographic location and the color of the offender and victim’s skin?

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment Essay - True Justice Through Application of the Death Penalty

    1070 Words  | 3 Pages

    Opponents of capital punishment are outspoken and vehement in their arguments.  They believe the death penalty does not does not deter crime.  They also hold the opinion that endin...

    Read More

  • The Pros And Cons Of The Death Penalty

    1128 Words  | 3 Pages

    “The question of whether the death penalty is a more effective deterrent than long-term imprisonment has been debated for decades or longer by scholars, policy makers, and the general public” (Radelet & Lacock, 2009).

    Read More

  • Make The Death Penalty Quicker, Cheaper and More Effective

    1672 Words  | 4 Pages

    "The Death Penalty Deters Crime and Saves Lives." The Heritage Foundation. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 Feb. 2014.

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment: Does Death Equal Justice?

    1674 Words  | 4 Pages

    or hundreds of years people have considered capital punishment a deterrence of crime. Seven hundred and five individuals have died since 1976, by means of capital punishment; twenty-two of these executions have already occurred this year (Death Penalty Information Center). Many U.S. citizens who strongly support the death penalty believe that capital punishment remains the best way to protect society from convicted killers. I, however, disagree; I do not feel that execution best punishes criminals for their acts. Instead, in my opinion, the administration of the death penalty should end because it does not deter crime; it risks the death of an innocent person, it costs millions of dollars, it inflicts unreasonable pain; and most importantly it violates moral principles.

    Read More

  • Sad Violin Music

    768 Words  | 2 Pages

    Narration: Opponents of the death penalty believe it is an ineffective way to stop crime and that there are better ways to punish crime and keep society safe.

    Read More

  • Death Penalty Essay

    1506 Words  | 4 Pages

    According to Deathquest, the evidence shows that there is no evidence showing that capital punishment deters more than an alternative non-capital punishment such as life imprisonment without opportunity of parole (LWOP). Available evidence indicates that capital punishment makes no discernible difference on homicide or murder rates. Assumptions and major issues with the deterrence theory include: Most murderers probably do not rationally calculate the consequences of their actions before they act, they doubt that they will be caught,

    Read More

  • Analysis Of Jeffrey Reiman's 'Against The Death Penalty'

    1201 Words  | 3 Pages

    A popular belief among those who advocate Capital Punishment is that the Death Penalty deters future murderers. However, there is no statistical evidence that proves this is in fact effective. Furthermore, there is no evidence which states the death penalty is any more effective in deterring murder than life imprisonment. Deterrence is also at its most persuasive when it takes place soon after a crime. For example, a child learns not to put his or her hand on a hot stove top because it results in immediate pain and a burnt finger. Because the death penalty takes years to be put into effect deterrence is less effective.

    Read More

  • Persuasive Essay On Death Penalty

    2435 Words  | 5 Pages

    One of the most repetitive and controversial topics discussed in the criminal justice system, is the death penalty. Capital punishment has been a part of our nation’s history since the creation of our constitution. In fact, as of January 1st, 2016, 2,943 inmates were awaiting their fate on death row (Death Penalty Information Center). Throughout my life, I have always been a strong advocate for the death penalty. During the majority of my undergraduate degree, I was a fierce supporter of capital punishment when discussing the topic in classes. However, throughout many criminal justice courses, I found myself in the minority, regarding the abolishment of the death penalty. While debating this topic, I would always find myself sympathetic to the victims and their families, as one should be, wanting those who were responsible for heinous crimes to

    Read More

  • The Ethics of Capital Punishment

    1503 Words  | 4 Pages

    middle of paper ... ... John Lamperti said, “If executions protected innocent lives through deterrence, which would weigh in the balance against capital punishment's heavy social costs. But despite years of trying, this benefit has not been shown to exist; the only proven effects of capital punishment are its liabilities. ”9

    Read More

  • Capital Punishment: Annotated Bibliography

    1737 Words  | 4 Pages

    Capital punishment, a topic that is constantly debated, is questioned on whether or not it serves its purpose which is to deter criminals and if it is morally acceptable. It is my goal to evaluate arguments that promote or reject capital punishment and its deterrence factor. It would be beneficial comparing crime statistics for states that uphold and states that abolish capital punishment. Finally, an investigation of criminals facing the death penalty and their thoughts as well as modern prison conditions will provide insight to this debate. Capital punishment could be a great deterrent to crime or it may have no effect at all.

    Read More

  • The Death Denalty, An Annotated Bibliography To The Death Penalty

    1346 Words  | 3 Pages

    When someone is legally convicted of a capital crime, it is possible for their punishment to be execution. The Death Penalty has been a controversial topic for many years. Some believe the act of punishing a criminal by execution is completely inhumane, while others believe it is a necessary practice needed to keep our society safe. In this annotated bibliography, there are six articles that each argue on whether or not the death penalty should be illegalized. Some authors argue that the death penalty should be illegal because it does not act as a deterrent, and it negatively effects the victim’s families. Other scholar’s state that the death penalty should stay legalized because there is an overcrowding in prisons and it saves innocent’s lives. Whether or not the death penalty should be

    Read More

  • Death Penalty Position Paper

    924 Words  | 2 Pages

    “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” is how the saying goes. Coined by the infamous Hammurabi’s Code around 1700 BC, this ancient expression has become the basis of a great political debate over the past several decades – the death penalty. While the conflict can be whittled down to a matter of morals, a more pragmatic approach shows defendable points that are far more evidence backed. Supporters of the death penalty advocate that it deters crime, provides closure, and is a just punishment for those who choose to take a human life. Those against the death penalty argue that execution is a betrayal of basic human rights, an ineffective crime deterrent, an economically wasteful option, and an outdated method. The debate has experienced varying levels of attention over the years, but has always kept in the eye of the public. While many still advocate for the continued use of capital punishment, the process is not the most cost effective, efficient, consistent, or up-to-date means of punishment that America could be using today.

    Read More

  • The Death Penalty Has a Positive Effect on Society

    1553 Words  | 4 Pages

    Lester PH. D., David. "Are Murderers Likely to Murder Again?" The Death Penalty. 2nd ed. Il: Charles C. Thomas. 1988. 118.

    Read More

More about The Death Penalty is Not Effective

Open Document