Suppose,as retentionists claim,the death penalty is recognized by would-be criminals as a more severe punishment than life in prison.Would it then follow that the death penalty deters murderers better than life in prison does?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The recognition of the death penalty as a more severe punishment than life in prison does not necessarily mean that it deters murderers better than life imprisonment. Factors such as the likelihood of being caught and the swiftness of the punishment also play a significant role in deterrence, and these factors are not necessarily associated with the death penalty. Additionally, studies on the effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent have produced conflicting results. Therefore, it is not safe to assume that the death penalty deters murderers better than life in prison.

Suppose,as Retentionists Claim,the Death Penalty Is Recognized by Would-Be Criminals