Some argue that the death penalty could encourage violent crime instead of deterring it, that violent criminals who know they are likely to get the death penalty may commit murder to avoid being captured. This argument is put forth by utilitarian abolitionists.

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Utilitarian abolitionists argue against the death penalty on the grounds that it may not effectively deter violent crime and could, in some cases, encourage it by leading criminals to commit more serious offenses to avoid capture.

Some Argue That the Death Penalty Could Encourage Violent Crime