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With the exception of serial killers, there are only two reasons people kill-love or money. The overwhelming percentage of murders are committed by someone close to the victim (more often than not, the spouse). So, why are these murderers getting rid of supposed loved ones. Well, they're either inheriting money or they've got someone on the side and they feel a need to make room for the new love.

Yes, this is all a bit cavalier sounding, but statistically, that's just how it is. So, do you really think these people are thinking of the consequences of their acts? Of course they aren't. They're only thinking of the new found wealth they'll be receiving or the new found freedom obtained. The word "deter" means stop or interfere. In order for the death penalty to "deter", the person committing the act has to actually think beyond the immediate "reward" of the act itself.

Saying that the death penalty will deter murder is like saying keeping heroin illegal will deter heroin addicts from using. Of course it doesn't work. I can't think of a single person who says to himself, "Well, I'd sure like to try heroin, but gosh, it's illegal." Well, it's the same with murder. If a person stands to gain, in some way, from the untimely death of someone else, they aren't going to stop themselves from committing the crime.

Now, what about serial killers? Would the death penalty stop them? Again, probably not. The Ted Bundys and Jeffrey Dahmers of the world have serious psychiatric issues. In Bundy's case he had a narcissistic personality disorder. I don't know the specifics of Dahmer's problem but he had issues-probably on "axis 2", which is for personality disorders. Dose this excuse the act? Of course not. I merely mention it because the question is will the death penalty deter the crime. These guys acted the way they felt they had to. Ted Bundy knew of, and understood fully, the implications of his act with relation to the death penalty. He killed anyway.

I could write a whole new article about being for or against the death penalty. (I happen to be against it). But, that's not the question. The question is, does the death penalty deter crime. Whether the reason is personal gain (love or money) or meeting some need (a psychological disorder), the person who commits these kinds of crimes is NOT thinking of the consequences. Therefore, there is no way to say that the threat of the death penalty is a deterrent. In fact, it is the WEAKEST argument for proponents of the death penalty.

Learn more about this author, Paul Schingle.
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