Question

The purpose of the death penalty is seen as deterrence. However, many studies in the United States, as well as in other countries, have found _____ evidence to support the idea that capital punishment decreases the murder rate.

Answer 1

Studies show insufficient evidence that capital punishment serves as an effective deterrent to reduce murder rates, and the use of the death penalty remains a controversial issue with complex influences on crime rates.

Step-by-step explanation:

Many studies in the United States and elsewhere have found insufficient evidence to support the idea that capital punishment decreases the murder rate. The effectiveness of the death penalty as a deterrent is highly debated, with developments such as the reexamination of past cases through DNA evidence revealing wrongful executions.

Societal views on the death penalty have fluctuated over time, influenced by various factors, including public mood, crime rates, and legal challenges against capital punishment. While some argue that 'getting tough on crime' may discourage people from committing offenses, the overall correlation between the imposition of severe sentences, such as the death penalty, and a reduction in crime rates remains controversial and not conclusively supported by statistical evidence.