We’ve learned about deterrence when talking about justice and the death penalty specifically, but I found a useful article from the DOJ about deterrence. I thought it would be helpful to share some facts I found interesting.
The severity of punishment has less of an effect on deterring someone from committing a crime than the chance the person has of getting caught for a crime. This conclusion lessens the argument for keeping long/life sentences, as according to research they are less of a necessity in the justice system and more of a cruel punishment. (Although, keeping people incarcerated also prevents them from actively offending, but that discussion is part of a different topic about rehabilitation).
What follows from this point is that police (effective policing that is) can be a strong deterrent to crime, far more impactful than legislation. I found this interesting because increased awareness of police brutality and racial prejudice has much of our country wondering if the police do more harm to our justice system than good. But it’s important to remember that the police, when carrying out their duties responsibly, can help reduce criminal activity.
We already learned this, but they also assert that there is no evidence of the death penalty deters crime. It seems like such a clear conclusion from the rest of the facts---I think the bigger problem with the death penalty is that most people who support it do so from the basis of believing in retribution.
But maybe someone was actually mistaken and now you can inform them.
View the original source here. Until next time.
Add comment
Comments
I myself was mistaken at one point. I think the biggest problem is the dominance of ped banco. he needs to be stopped; he will destroy all of earth if he is not put to bed.