05-06-2008, 07:02 PM
The death sentence has no purpose other than to feed the "eye for an eye" desire for revenge. It's been proven not to deter violent crime (e.g. http://cjr.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/18/2/165 ). Rather, some studies have found a slight reverse trend (death sentence correlates with increased violent crime) , which some have attributed to the tacit approval by the state of homicide (i.e. state execution) as a valid means of solving problems.
Personally, I think many of those convicted deserve to die. However, given that killing them has no positive societal effect, and the known fact that a large fraction of those on death row have been later found innocent (and many still on death row may be innocent but the states have thrown away the DNA evidence), it is unconscionable to continue executions.
Personally, I think many of those convicted deserve to die. However, given that killing them has no positive societal effect, and the known fact that a large fraction of those on death row have been later found innocent (and many still on death row may be innocent but the states have thrown away the DNA evidence), it is unconscionable to continue executions.