Question

Ответить на вопрос What is the aim of the capital punishment? Capital Punishment Until medieval times, the death penalty was a frequently imposed criminal sanction. During the sixteenth century there was a shift in practice in Europe from the death penalty and corporal punishment to imprisonment, which has since become the major sanction for criminal acts. Although capital punishment is currently being fought by a number of organized groups and is abolished or at least restricted in many countries, it is still part of the crime control system of the majority of the world. International efforts to abolish capital punishment have not been very successful. The chances of bringing about changes are much worse at the international level than at the regional level, where unanimity is easier to achieve. The more society has felt obliged to provide justification for the death penalty, the more studies have tried to prove or disapprove the deterrent effect of capital punishment. The deterrence theory envisions potential criminals weighing the potential punishment before committing crimes. But murders are more often than not committed out of conflict situations that involve emotions rather than rational calculations. Moreover, the risk of execution is difficult to take into account because potential murderers are more likely to dissociate themselves with the people executed because they regard them as unsuccessful and socially inferior. Current research indicates that the death penalty has no consistent, demonstrable deterrent effect. There is even evidence that executions have the opposite, brutalizing effect, meaning that homicide rates increase slightly several weeks after an execution. Public opinion is currently calling for the re-establishment or the extension of capital punishment because of rising crime rates, growing violence and ineffectiveness of other forms of punishment. Although state legislatures and politicians must do everything they can to fight crime and achieve more public safety, they must not respond to such emotional demands directly.

Answer 1

At first glance, it seems clear what the death penalty is. This is the deprivation of a person's life. However, a person can be deprived of life for various reasons. Even if you do not consider cases of natural death, you can also name the reasons for which violent death occurs. For example, people are killed as a result of unfavorable natural conditions, from hunger, cold, accidents. Unfortunately, a large number of people die from various crimes, from imprudent actions that lead to the death of a person, such as violation of the rules of safety, traffic, handling of various dangerous substances and objects. People kill each other in wars, during interethnic and other conflicts, on the basis of blood feud. But all the above examples of the deprivation of a person's life socially and legally have nothing to do with the death penalty.

Answer 2

The aim of capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, has been a subject of debate and evolution over time. Historically, it was a frequently imposed criminal sanction in many societies. However, as societies evolved, there was a shift in Europe during the sixteenth century from capital punishment and corporal punishment to imprisonment, which became the major sanction for criminal acts.

The primary purpose of capital punishment has been seen from different perspectives:

1. Deterrence: One of the arguments in favor of the death penalty is deterrence. Proponents believe that potential criminals will be dissuaded from committing heinous crimes if they know that they might face the ultimate punishment, death. This perspective envisions potential criminals weighing the potential consequences before committing crimes.

2. Retribution: Another perspective is that capital punishment serves as a form of retribution or "an eye for an eye" justice. Supporters of this view believe that severe crimes deserve severe punishment, and executing the offender is a just response to their actions.

3. Public Safety: Some proponents argue that capital punishment ensures public safety by permanently removing dangerous individuals from society. They believe that certain criminals pose a perpetual threat and can only be neutralized through execution.

4. Closure for Victims' Families: Supporters of capital punishment often assert that it provides closure for the families of victims, offering a sense of justice for the heinous act committed against their loved ones.

However, there are significant criticisms and challenges to these aims:

1. Deterrence Effect: Studies on the deterrent effect of capital punishment have yielded inconclusive and mixed results. Many argue that murders are often driven by emotions and not rational calculations of potential consequences. The risk of execution may not be a significant factor in the decision-making process of potential murderers.

2. Brutalizing Effect: Some research suggests that executions may have the opposite effect and lead to a slight increase in homicide rates, implying that capital punishment does not deter crime and may even contribute to violence in society.

3. Risk of Wrongful Executions: Concerns about the possibility of executing innocent individuals have been raised. The legal process is not infallible, and wrongful convictions can and have occurred.

4. International Efforts: Many countries and international organizations are striving to abolish capital punishment due to concerns about human rights, dignity, and the risk of miscarriages of justice.

In conclusion, the aim of capital punishment has shifted and evolved over time, with various justifications and criticisms. While some argue it serves as a deterrent and provides justice for heinous crimes, others believe it lacks a consistent deterrent effect and raises ethical and human rights concerns. The issue remains a complex and contentious topic with ongoing debates globally.