Question

The death penalty saves money as a possible sentence

Robert B. Evnen, JD, "Top 10 Pro & Con Arguments - Death Penalty - Procon.Org". Deathpenalty.Procon.Org, 2019, ?resourceID=002000#6.

"Criminal defendants who are facing the death penalty — which today must be pleaded by prosecutors up front — often want to make a deal by pleading guilty to first degree murder in exchange for a sentencing recommendation of life without parole. The existence of the death penalty as a possible sentence leads to guilty pleas that save the money spent on trials and limit the opportunity for appeals."

Answer 1

The death penalty can potentially save money through plea bargains, as defendants may choose to plead guilty to avoid the death penalty. However, the overall cost-effectiveness of the death penalty is a complex issue.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about whether the death penalty saves money as a possible sentence. According to the source provided, pleading guilty to first-degree murder in exchange for a sentencing recommendation of life without parole is a common strategy for defendants facing the death penalty. This avoids the need for costly trials and reduces the opportunity for appeals, which can save money. However, it is important to note that the cost-effectiveness of the death penalty as a whole is a complex issue that involves various factors.