biological theories affecting policy - DEATH PENALTY

Question 1

when was the DEATH PENALTY ABOLISHED?

Answer 1

1969 in the UK

Question 2

what is the DEATH PENALTY?

Answer 2

executing someone as punishment for a specific crime on the basis it will prevent the person from participating in crime and may provide a deterrence for others

Question 3

DEATH PENALTY in the UK

Answer 3

• the UK TEMPORARILY ABOLISHED the death penalty in 1965
• they monitored the murder rates in the following years and it didnt increase
• the decision to abolish permanently for murder in the UK was made in 1969

Question 4

DEATH PENALTY in the AROUND THE WORLD

Answer 4

• many countries still have the death penalty
• death penalty still used in some US states
• places that have the death penalty have higher murder rates
• these statistics suggest the death penalty is NOT a deterrent

Question 5

does the DEATH PENALTY WORK?

Answer 5

• USA proves it doesnt - some states have death penalty and murder rates are higher than places without death penalty
• death penalty isnt a deterrent
• people normally kill in a moment of IMPULSIVE ACTION = NOT making a REASONED DECISION or THINKING ABOUT PUNISHMENT
• death penalty has massive MORAL and ETHICAL issues - goes against people’s RIGHT TO LIFE and the FREEDOM FROM INHUMANE PRACTICES