People ask whether there is evidence that the death penalty is a more effective deterrent than imprisonment. Of course where the death penalty is concerned it is a deterrent at least to those criminals who committed the crime as they will no longer be available to commit crimes. But people want to know whether the death penalty will deter other would-be criminals who would commit crimes. People may also want proof that it is in fact a deterrent. This requires one to show that there is some correlation between the punishment and the trend to commit crimes. If the death penalty is re-introduced will there be some reduction in crime?
by R.M.B Senanayake-October 17, 2015