Research Proposal
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The public perception of the effectiveness of Capital Punishment in reducing violent crime
Introduction
Public opinion and perception have always played a role in the modern controversy regarding capital punishment and its effectiveness in reducing violent crimes. Retentionists and abolitionists have referred to philosophical and ethical writings to oppose capital punishment, while legislators have supported capital punishment because of its perceived effectiveness in reducing violent crimes. Therefore, public perception of the issue assumes a role that is as important as judicial decision-making because capital punishment touches on society’s values. There is a different degree of attitudinal support from the public regarding capital punishment and its effectiveness in reducing violent crimes. The Public’s perception of the application of capital punishment is more in concrete situations than abstract situations. Concrete situations refer to a real-life case where the input of the society is required while an abstract situation defines a hypothetical case study. Even though the public perception on the issue may reflect a moral stance, it does not usually measure the real nature of the applicability of capital punishment. The application of capital punishment requires information such as the risks of a mistake, alternative sentences, probability of bias, and the social cost of the practice. Public perception about capital punishment will carry weight only if it based on the values of the constitution and simply not on individuals’ attitudes and beliefs.
Problem Statement
It is not known how public perception of the issue of capital punishment is not based on proper information hence impacting its effectiveness in reducing violent crimes. The public perception is often based on capital punishment’s capability to deter future crimes as opposed to the weight the issue has on society. For example, information on alternative sentencing is often not available to the public to influence public members on the issue. Moreover, the issue has usually taken a normative approach among members of the public as opposed to the objective of reducing violent crimes. The normative view on capital punishment is based on each individual’s moral obligation to protect human life regardless of whether it is a criminal. Society has placed great value on human life; thus, it is seen as an obligation of human beings to reduce death and suffering. Furthermore, capital punishment is not the only effective method of reducing violent crimes. According to supporters of the normative approach, alternative punishments such as life sentencing can be used instead of capital punishment.
Public perception of the issue is not based on proper information; hence can negative impacts on reducing violent crimes. The possibility of false convictions and the execution of innocent people may be high if sentencing takes the form of capital punishment. The argument that capital punishment serves to deter future crimes is also not based on sufficient information. The ability of capital punishment to prevent future crimes has been considered in a vacuum, which should not be the case. The essence of punishing violent crimes is to dissuade criminals from killing and not their complete incapacitation. Public perception is limited to the fact that capital punishment is more costly and riskier than other forms of sentencing, such as life sentencing.
Hypothesis
If sufficient information on the effectiveness of capital punishment in reducing violent crimes is availed, the public perception on the issue will change significantly.