In the third debate, a man asked GW if he was proud of the fact that Texas is number one in the nation in executions. He said, "No, I'm not proud of that."

http://cbsnews.com/now/story/0,1597,242069-412,00.shtml

Lehrer then asked:

LEHRER: Do both of you believe that the death penalty actually deters crime?
Governor?

BUSH: I do, that's the only reason to be for it. Let me finish that, I don't think you should support the death penalty to seek revenge. I don't think that's right. I think the reason to support the death penalty is because it saves other people's lives.

LEHRER: Vice President Gore?

GORE: I think it is a deterrence. I know that's a controversial view, but I do believe it's a deterrence.


To reiterate, Bush says that deterrence is the only reason to be for the death penalty.

So I would like to ask the thread participants if they agree that the death penalty, over and above a penalty of life without parole, has a deterrent effect on individuals driven to commit murder?

Are you aware of statistics that examine this question?

Peter