>>The so-called 'enlightened' Europeans who have outlawed the death penalty will see nothing but an increase in crimes of a death-penalty-worth nature. Just watch the numbers.
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>Canada abolished the death penalty in 1976 (last execution in 1962) and like other developed countries has not seen an increase in "death-penalty-worthy" crime. In the year of abolition there were 2.8 murders per 100,000, in 1998 there were 1.9 murders per 100,000. The conviction rate for murders has doubled (perhaps judges are juries aren't as squeamish about convicting for murder if there isn't a death penalty).
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>Canada's experience is not unique. It would appear that the facts have spoken on this issue.
Evan,
Well, I'm certainly glad to see the murder rate go down regardless of the reason.
I do still think that in certain cases it is a viable response from society.
Thanks for the data.
Best,
DD
A man is no fool who gives up that which he cannot keep for that which he cannot lose.
Everything I don't understand must be easy!
The difficulty of any task is measured by the capacity of the agent performing the work.
