“Although the studies of the deterrence of the death penalty are inconclusive, the fear of death is unparalleled and whatever is feared the most is likely to deter the most. Anyone who is not deterred by the death penalty will certainly not be deterred by anything else.” (Ernest van den Haag)
Arguments for Reintroduction
- The Ultimate Deterrent
- In 1973, Isaac Ehrlich found that for every inmate executed, 7 lives were saved due to deterrence.
- “Although the studies of the deterrence of the death penalty are inconclusive, the fear of death is unparalleled and whatever is feared the most is likely to deter the most. Anyone who is not deterred by the death penalty will certainly not be deterred by anything else.” (Ernest van den Haag)
- Retribution
- 'An eye for an eye' is a poular opinion. It means that in order to achieve justice, the convicted criminal should be given the same treatment as they have given.
- The Law
- Many people believe that the law should be respected at all costs, and therefore, the challenge of Miscarriage of Justice is avoided.
Arguements against reintroduction
Troy Davis Case Study
- Troy Davis was executed on the 21st September 2011 in Jackson, Georgia (USA).
- He was convicted for murder in 1989. The accusation was based largely on the word of another man rather than solid evidence.
- Despite, the doubts throughout the judicial process (for example, three of the members of the jury who pleaded guilty begged for the case to be investigated more thoroughly), the case reached the final stages where Davis was rejected clemency and finally executed.
- Human rights violation - capital punishment is a direct violation of what many believe to be the most notable human right of all
- Miscarriage of Justice - the idea that risking the possibilty of taking someone's life wrongly isn't worth the benefits gained by introducing the punishment is a common opinion.
- Costs - Seattle University carried out a study and found that on average, a case involving the death penalty costs $1 million more than a case which doesn’t involve the death penalty.
- Is it really a deterrant? - 88% of criminologists believe that it is not a deterrent, of which 87% believe that capital punishment shouldn't be reintroduced
- Death Row
- The Death Row Phenomenon
- Suicide - 63% of suicides occur for prisoners who are in special housing cells, such as solitary confinement. Similar to how death row inmates are treated
- Poorly executed executions
Articles
Books
Scholars (statements)
Survey/Questionairre (Primary research
Internet
Arguments for and against the reintroduction of Capital Punishment
What went well?
- Used a wide variety of statistics to back up any points I made.
- Managed to create a balanced argument which meant that I was able to come to a valid conclusion.
- Set out my opinion and referenced back to this in my conclusion
What problems did I come across?
Why Capital Punishment?
- Struggle to find reliable information sources
- Previous Studies- Since studying RE at GCSE, I have become very interested in the topic of Capital Punishment and what effect it has on society.
- Media - Reading about controversies surrounding Capital punishment has heightened my interest in the area of study.
- Including - Troy Davis and Dennis McGuire cases.
- Not including enough analysis on my first attempt.
- Not being efficient with my wording.
What is it?
- Capital Punishment is "the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime."
- Completely abolished by Tony Blair in the UK
- Still Practiced in the USA and in parts of Asia (Middle East and Far East)
Should Capital Punishment be reintroduced in the UK
Aims of the project
- Gain more knowledge about the arguments for and against in order to come to a personal conclusion
Structure of my Project
- Apply my interest in an interesting and engaging project
Introduction
What is it?
Brief History (USA, UK and Africa)
Modern Methods
Arguments Against (Inc. Case Study)
Arguments For
Conclusion
Extended Project Qualification