Question 1

Research reveals a short-term decrease in murder rates following a highly publicized execution.

Accepted Answer

Multiple studies have shown that there is a short-term decrease in murder rates following a highly publicized execution, which is commonly referred to as the "deterrent effect" of the death penalty. However, the long-term effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent is still a subject of debate among scholars.

Question 2

Testifying before Congress in 2003, Economics Professor Joanna Shepherd remarked that there is a "strong consensus among economists that capital punishment deters crime" and that "the studies are unanimous."

Accepted Answer

The answer of Testifying before Congress in 2003, Economics Professor...

Question 3

Evidence from studies of the long-term effect on murder rates of highly publicized executions and death sentences supports the general deterrent effect of the death penalty.

Accepted Answer

Numerous studies have shown that there is no clear evidence to support the claim that the death penalty acts as a more effective deterrent to murder than long-term imprisonment. The relationship between the death penalty and murder rates is complex and influenced by many factors, making it difficult to attribute changes in murder rates to the use or non-use of the death penalty alone.

Question 4

According to the author of your textbook, the real issue about deterrence is not whether the death penalty deters potential murderers, but rather whether the death penalty deters potential murderers to a greater degree than alternative non-capital punishments such as life imprisonment.

Accepted Answer

The author of the textbook argues that the real issue in deterrence is comparing the effectiveness of the death penalty to alternative punishments like life imprisonment, rather than simply whether or not it deters potential murderers.

Question 5

According to a study by Sarah Dike, capital punishment proved an effective deterrent to gangland killings in Chicago during the period 1919-1968.

Accepted Answer

No evidence has been found to support the claim that capital punishment was an effective deterrent to gangland killings during this period in Chicago. Sarah Dike's study does not exist.

Question 6

Research shows that capital punishment deters some non-capital crimes.

Accepted Answer

Many studies have indicated that there is no clear evidence of capital punishment being a deterrent to non-capital crimes. In fact, some studies have suggested that it may even increase violent crime rates.

Question 7

Research shows that states with few executions tend to have increased homicide rates and those with more executions tend to have reduced homicide rates.

Accepted Answer

This statement is false. There is no clear evidence that the death penalty has a deterrent effect on homicide rates. Studies have shown varying results and it is a highly debated topic in criminology.

Question 8

Killings inside prisons are most often committed by convicted murderers.

Accepted Answer

Most killings inside prisons are not committed by convicted murderers but rather stem from various causes such as gang violence, disputes, or retaliation, often involving inmates with different criminal backgrounds.

Question 9

In 1989, following a comprehensive review of death penalty research by a panel of distinguished scholars, the American Society of Criminology, the largest association of criminologists in the nation, passed a resolution condemning capital punishment and calling for its abolition. Among the reasons for the Society's position was the absence of consistent evidence of crime deterrence through execution.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately reflects the resolution passed by the American Society of Criminology in 1989.

Question 10

A recent survey of 67 current and past presidents of the top three criminology professional organizations-the American Society of Criminology, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and the Law and Society Association-found that about 80 percent of them believe that the death penalty is a more effective deterrent to homicide than is long imprisonment.

Accepted Answer

Most studies and surveys, including those involving criminologists and legal professionals, have shown that the majority do not believe the death penalty is more effective as a deterrent to homicide than long-term imprisonment.

Question 11

If executions are to achieve deterrence, would-be killers must identify with criminals who are executed. On the other hand, if executions brutalize, would-be killers must identify their victims with executed criminals and themselves with state-sanctioned executioners.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The effectiveness of executions as a deterrent or as a means of brutalizing depends on whether would-be killers identify with the executed criminals or with the state-sanctioned executioners. If they identify with the executed criminals, then the fear of execution may deter them from committing violent crimes. However, if they identify with the executioners, then executions may reinforce their beliefs that violence is an acceptable means of achieving justice.

Question 12

Most police chiefs believe that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to violent crime.

Accepted Answer

According to multiple surveys and studies, the majority of police chiefs do not believe that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to violent crime. Instead, they often cite other prevention and intervention strategies as more effective in reducing crime.

Question 13

Harvard Law Professor Alan Dershowitz, a death penalty opponent, wrote, "Of course, the death penalty deters some crimes. That's why you have to pay more for a hit man in a death penalty state, than a non-death penalty state."

Accepted Answer

This statement suggests that the higher risk of facing the death penalty serves as a deterrent to potential criminals, and therefore the cost of hiring a hit man is greater in states with the death penalty.

Question 14

According to Professor Bowers, executions may stimulate homicides by the psychology of suggestion or imitation.

Accepted Answer

According to Professor Bowers, there is evidence to suggest that executions may have a "brutalizing effect" on society and can stimulate homicides through the psychology of suggestion or imitation.

Quiz 7: General Deterrence and the Death Penalty