(June 12, 2011 at 7:34 am)Skipper Wrote: Really? Countries with the death penalty don't see any significantly lower rates of murder than countries that don't have the death penalty. Some are even higher. I honestly don't think the death penalty is a deterrent, and I can't remember seeing any evidence that suggests it is.
Well, deterrent of crime probably isn't the best description. I was thinking more along the lines of a bargaining chip for prosecutors. Criminals will be lining up to give up important information that could be used to save lives and stop crime if it means avoiding the death penalty.
Even if the open windows of science at first make us shiver after the cozy indoor warmth of traditional humanizing myths, in the end the fresh air brings vigor, and the great spaces have a splendor of their own - Bertrand Russell
