Discuss

1) The death penalty remains one of the most debated punishments in the American criminal justice system. Supporters argue it is a powerful deterrent against murder, a means of upholding justice, and a way to provide closure to victims’ families. They believe it prevents future harm by permanently removing dangerous individuals from society and may be more cost-effective than life imprisonment. From this view, the punishment is both rational and necessary. On the other hand, critics argue that capital punishment fails to deter crime, grants the state too much power over life and death, and reinforces social inequalities. They point to data showing racial disparities in sentencing and note that people without access to strong legal representation are more likely to be sentenced to death. Opponents also question whether the death penalty is more costly than life in prison and whether it truly delivers justice. For this discussion, draw upon your understanding of Rational Choice Theory, which assumes that individuals weigh the costs and benefits before engaging in criminal behavior. Use the prompts below to guide your thinking and analysis. There is no need to restate the prompts in your post, just develop a well-reasoned response that addresses the themes. Discussion Prompts: Should the death penalty be permitted in a rational criminal justice system? Does the death penalty deter crime from a Rational Choice perspective? How might a persons race or socioeconomic status influence whether they receive the death penalty? Your response should connect theory to practice and demonstrate critical thinking. Use evidence where appropriate, and be respectful of differing viewpoints in your discussion. 2)