This afternoon I read an article that quoted an official from some UN commission who stated that the death penalty has not proven to a have dissuasive impact on violent crime. The article didn't provide a link or citation to backup the claim, so I did some research. What I found is interesting.
Just looking at the US, there are 34 states that currently employ the death penalty and 16 states that do not. For those who argue that the death penalty does indeed curb violent crime, one would think that most of the states that have abolished it would pepper the list of the states with the highest per capita rates for violent crime. However, the OPPOSITE is true.
From the most recent statistical data (US Census Bureau - 2007), 13 of the 15 states with the highest per capita rate of violent crime are states that impose the death penalty. (Note: Two of the states have since rescinded use of capital punishment.) The only two non-death penalty states that crack the top 15 are Alaska/8th and Michigan/10th.
Now I realize that there are a slew of variables that factor into crime rates. The use of the death penalty as a deterrent is but one factor. That said, the dissuasion of violent crime is the number one rationale for those citizens and politicians alike who support the capital punishment.
All I am pointing out is that the primary statistic that would buttress their case goes completely against the argument.
Just looking at the US, there are 34 states that currently employ the death penalty and 16 states that do not. For those who argue that the death penalty does indeed curb violent crime, one would think that most of the states that have abolished it would pepper the list of the states with the highest per capita rates for violent crime. However, the OPPOSITE is true.
From the most recent statistical data (US Census Bureau - 2007), 13 of the 15 states with the highest per capita rate of violent crime are states that impose the death penalty. (Note: Two of the states have since rescinded use of capital punishment.) The only two non-death penalty states that crack the top 15 are Alaska/8th and Michigan/10th.
Now I realize that there are a slew of variables that factor into crime rates. The use of the death penalty as a deterrent is but one factor. That said, the dissuasion of violent crime is the number one rationale for those citizens and politicians alike who support the capital punishment.
All I am pointing out is that the primary statistic that would buttress their case goes completely against the argument.
I like to ask "Does the law against murder prevent any murders." I think it does not. The law is there and people murder. Those who do not murder do not refrain because of the law.
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