[heidispring]

The death penalty is not deterrent to other would-be murderers. How can it deter when most people don't even know which offenses are death penalty eligible? In addition, the death penalty was not abolished in the early 60s. IT WAS ABOLISHED IN 1972 AND RETURNED IN 1976. Before it was abolished, death penalty cases were already rare. After it was reinstated,however, states (primarily southern) pursued it with a vengeance. Could this possibly have anything to do with the southern states being pissed just because the supreme court had told them in 1972 that they could not carry the death penalty out anymore. By the way, the case which resulted in the abolition of the death penalty was Furman v. Georgia. First, educate yourself, then if you still have the same opinion more people will probably take you seriously.

[dighton]

The death penalty is not deterrent to other would-be murderers. How can it deter when most people don't even know which offenses are death penalty eligible?

Welcome to FreeRepublic. My, what an old thread you've bumped!

Gotta be careful around here. Some people still believe in death by electrocution.

[hellinahandcart]

How can it deter when most people don't even know which offenses are death penalty eligible?

Murder and treason, that's about it.

Not too long a list for any person to memorize. And you really only have to remember the first one, since treason charges are rarely brought and extremely difficult to prove.

And your remarks about Southern states show me that YOU are the one who is not to be taken seriously.