Question

Ответьте на вопросы: 1. What is the definition to the term “capital punishment”? 2. What is the aim of the capital punishment? 3. For what crimes can this penalty be imposed? 4. How does public opinion assess the deterrent effect of the death penalty? 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

1.   "The death penalty" is a punishment for a crime. ( "Cмертная казнь" это наказание  за преступление. )

Answer 2

1. The term "capital punishment" refers to the legally authorized killing of a person as a punishment for a serious crime. It is also commonly known as the death penalty.

2. The aim of capital punishment varies depending on the jurisdiction and historical context, but the primary objectives are often deterrence, retribution, and the protection of society. Proponents argue that the threat of execution acts as a deterrent, dissuading potential criminals from committing heinous acts. Additionally, some see it as a form of just retribution for the most severe crimes, providing a sense of justice to victims and their families. Furthermore, proponents may argue that permanently removing dangerous individuals from society ensures the protection of the public.

3. The crimes for which capital punishment can be imposed differ across jurisdictions. However, historically and in many places today, it is primarily used for offenses such as murder, treason, espionage, and certain cases of terrorism or severe acts of violence. The specific list of capital offenses varies from one country or state to another.

4. Public opinion regarding the deterrent effect of the death penalty is a subject of debate. While some segments of society believe that capital punishment deters crime by instilling fear in potential offenders, there is also substantial criticism and doubt about this claim. Many studies have been conducted to examine the deterrence theory, with some suggesting that the death penalty does not consistently demonstrate a deterrent effect. In fact, some research indicates that executions might have a brutalizing effect and may lead to a slight increase in homicide rates in the weeks following an execution.

It's important to note that public opinion on capital punishment can vary widely depending on cultural, social, and political factors, and different studies may yield conflicting results. As societal views and attitudes evolve, so too can the perception of the death penalty and its effectiveness as a crime control measure.