Why People Support the Death Penalty: A Rational Perspective

Introduction

The death penalty has been a contentious issue, stirring intense debate in societies around the world. Advocates for capital punishment argue that it serves essential functions in a justice system. This essay will outline various reasons why people support the death penalty, examining the logical and ethical arguments underpinning this stance.

Deterrent Effect on Crime

One of the primary arguments in support of the death penalty is its supposed deterrent effect on crime, particularly serious offenses such as murder. Supporters contend that the possibility of facing capital punishment can make potential criminals think twice before committing a crime. (Beccaria, Cesare. "On Crimes and Punishments," 1764.)

Retributive Justice

Advocates for the death penalty often view it as a form of retribution – a just consequence for the most heinous crimes. They argue that certain acts are so vile and reprehensible that the perpetrator has forfeited their right to live. This, they argue, serves to balance the scales of justice, especially for the victims’ families (Kant, Immanuel. "The Philosophy of Law," 1887.)

Closure for Victims’ Families

Another argument often cited in support of the death penalty is that it can provide a sense of closure to the victims' families. Knowing that the perpetrator has been held to the highest level of accountability can help families in their process of healing and moving forward (Ehrlich, Isaac. "The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: A Question of Life and Death," 1975.)

Economic Considerations

Some argue that, in certain cases, the death penalty is more economical than life imprisonment without parole. They posit that eliminating the costs associated with prolonged incarceration can ease the burden on taxpayers (Dezhbakhsh, Hashem, et al. "Does Capital Punishment Have a Deterrent Effect? New Evidence from Post-moratorium Panel Data," 2003.)

Moral and Philosophical Grounding

Many supporters of the death penalty maintain a moral or philosophical stance, often rooted in notions of ‘just deserts’ or the intrinsic value of retributive justice. For these individuals, capital punishment is not about vengeance but about asserting a fundamental societal principle of accountability (Bedau, Hugo Adam, and Paul G. Cassell, eds. "Debating the Death Penalty: Should America Have Capital Punishment? The Experts on Both Sides Make Their Best Case," 2004.)

Conclusion

This essay has aimed to elucidate why some people support the death penalty, focusing on its perceived deterrent effect on crime, retributive justice, closure for victims’ families, economic considerations, and moral or philosophical grounding. While opponents of the death penalty raise important and compelling objections, supporters believe that, in certain circumstances, capital punishment is a necessary and justified component of a comprehensive justice system.

Works Cited

Beccaria, Cesare. "On Crimes and Punishments," 1764.

Kant, Immanuel. "The Philosophy of Law," 1887.

Ehrlich, Isaac. "The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: A Question of Life and Death," 1975.

Dezhbakhsh, Hashem, et al. "Does Capital Punishment Have a Deterrent Effect? New Evidence from Post-moratorium Panel Data," 2003.

Bedau, Hugo Adam, and Paul G. Cassell, eds. "Debating the Death Penalty: Should America Have Capital Punishment? The Experts on Both Sides Make Their Best Case," 2004.