When three states reinstituted capital punishment, the number of murders went down. In two states where capital punishment was repealed, murder rates went up. "Capital punishment obviously deters murder" is a fallacious claim based on this evidence because
A) it is only a correlation, not a causation
B) it is insufficient evidence for asserting causation
C) it is a self-selected sample
D) a and b

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The claim that "Capital punishment obviously deters murder" is fallacious because the evidence provided only shows a correlation and is insufficient to assert causation. Additionally, the evidence is limited to a self-selected sample of states, which further weakens the argument. Therefore, both options A and B are correct.

When Three States Reinstituted Capital Punishment, the Number of Murders