The Relationship Between Capital Punishment and Deterrence Theory

Several Authors, including Stephen J. Knorr, Radelet & Akers, Hsin-Wen Lee, and Lee et al., have explored the relationship of capital punishment and criminal behavior deterrence. Early research examined the deterrent effect of capital punishment and produced arguments questioning the ethical, moral, and political consequences of its use. Support for capital punishment weakened considering deterrence theory, which resulted in the discontinuation of its use in 1972. However, that short-lived hiatus ended four years later owing to support based on political arguments. Since that time, research findings have re-examined the deterrence theory from both a psychological and a sociological perspective. Although the threat of punishment dissuades criminal behavior, the deterrent effect is found to be differentially applicable to individuals at varying points in their life. Additionally, socioeconomic factors also shape support, which generates questions regarding its overall utility. Criminology experts have also examined this relationship and have concluded in survey that support for capital punishment stems from a lack of other options of punishment. This paper concludes with research that examines internal stimuli for deterrence, fear of punishment, refraining from crime for moral reasons, and ultimately finds the relationship between capital punishment and deterrence to argue for a rehabilitative system rather than one that prescribes only punishment.