If Something Is A Deterrent ... Shouldn't It Work Before - Not After?

Question

Take for example the Death Penalty. I asked a question about why many people think the death penalty is a deterrent to others committing murder. Several responses stated that it was a deterrent to the same criminal killing again. That's a good point. But if it really works correctly then it should stop people from killing in the first place ... right? I understand the person who killed and was put to death willl not kill again but in what way do some think it prevents others from killing to begin with? I personally don't think it keeps habitual criminals from going to the next level. What do you think?

Answer 1

A DETERRENT could be forwarning to another person. In other words if someone realizes that Joe Blow was put to death for killing the lady at the store, that would be  a deterrent for the second person-not necessarily for Joe Blow.  

I agree with you some people are just plan "bad seeds" and they will keep escalating repeatedly going up or if you will down the scale of punishments and consequences.

I think most people in socialized cultures learn what right and wrong is at an early age. But if they never have direct results from inappropriate behavior they may think they can side step a deterrent- ie, I see other people run red lights, but I've never got at ticket-so it can't happen to me. Then I run a red light and get a ticket-now I understand the deterrent concept...

Answer 2

The death penalty is a detterent, A detterant wors in both ways. If someone thinks in their head that if they commit the cat they would die than they dont. If they commited the cat than they have to suffer the consequences by getting the death penalty. The ones who get it do not comply to the detterant

Answer 3

I agree with Trooper

The death penalty IS a deterrant... but we'll never know who it deters.

  

Answer 4

Nothing is going to be a successful deterrent to a habitual criminal because the average criminal does not think he is going to be caught.

I disagree the death penalty is a successful deterrent, especially with a habitual criminal. However, you have to wonder how many murders are prevented because people fear being put to death. There would be no statistics on that, because the crime never happened.

It also assists the victim's family with closure, knowing that criminal will never harm another family again.