Final answer:
The argument that best supports Oscar's position as an advocate of capital punishment is that it acts as a deterrent for potential offenders (Option A). This viewpoint is predicated on the theory of deterrence, though it does not directly address concerns about the disproportionate impact on racial minorities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pete claims that capital punishment is unfair because it is imposed disproportionately on racial minorities. One argument that supports Oscar's position, as an advocate of capital punishment, is that 'Capital punishment deters potential offenders' (Option A). This claim is based on the deterrence theory, which argues that the presence of a severe punishment, such as the death penalty, can prevent individuals from committing crimes due to the fear of facing such a penalty themselves.
The issue of racial disparities in the criminal justice system is well-documented. However, proponents of capital punishment such as Oscar might argue that these disparities reflect broader societal biases that extend beyond the scope of the legal system and its application of capital punishment. The goal of the system, they might contend, is to serve as a deterrent and to serve justice where severe crimes have been committed, irrespective of the background of the offender.
It's important to note that the argument presented above does not address the issue of racial bias directly, but instead proposes the effectiveness of capital punishment in deterring crime as a justification for its use. It is also crucial to be aware that there are multiple perspectives on the use and fairness of capital punishment, with many complexities and nuances surrounding the debate.