Death penalty in favorThere are many studies that show the death penalty as a non-deterrent to the serious crime problem facing the United States. The death penalty continues to be the most controversial sentence, with more than half of the states reinstating capital punishment laws after the 1972 Furman v. Georgia ruling. However, even if the death penalty were not a greater deterrent than 'life sentence, some people would Support it again is the only way to permanently rid society of dangerous criminals who deserve to die. Since the death penalty is considered a deterrent against criminal activity, does it make the execution morally just or simply brutal? The death penalty is the highest capital punishment, which serves as a strong deterrent for serious crimes. While capital punishment probably cannot deter mentally unstable criminals, it could have an effect on the cold and calculating killer, such as a hitman or someone who kills for profit. With the death penalty alarming potential criminals, fear of death could convince criminals not to risk using firearms during armed robberies. The deterrent effect of an execution can produce a substantial decrease in the homicide rate. While some believe the death sentence is a deterrent, others believe it is cruel and unusual punishment. There is insufficient evidence to show that the treatment of a death sentence can convince potential murderers to give up their criminal activity. Most murders involve people who knew each other, most often friends and family. Since killers are often under the influence of alcohol or drugs or suffer from serious psychological disorders, no amount of punishment is likely to be a deterrent. =yaOaTbDmO4vVgAfgzOGgBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&reRichard C. Dieter, E.E. (1998, 06). Retrieved April 3, 2011, from The Death Penalty in Black and White: Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Decides: http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/death-penalty-black-and-white-who-lives-who-dies -who-decidesSiegel, L.J. (2009). Retrieved April 2011, 2011, from Essentials of Criminal Justice: http://books.google.com/books?id=22eNtpc6On0C&pg=PA355&lpg=PA355&dq=.+Racism+was+particularly+blatant+when+the+death+penalty+ is been+invoked+in+cases+of+rape+90%25+of+those+who+received+death+from+rape+in+the+south+and+63%25+of+those+in+the+ north,+and +West+was+blackSTEWART, P.S. (1976, March 31). Retrieved April 2, 2011, from Proffitt v. Florida (No. 75-5706): http://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0428_0242_ZO.html