Now, on the subject of deterrence, I admit that there can…
““Now, on the subject of deterrence, I admit that there can be little doubt that as presently administered in the United States, the death penalty is not a general deterrent to murder in many, if not most, situations. . . . But of one thing I am certain: it is, by God, a specific deterrent. No one who has been executed has ever taken another innocent life. And until such time as we really mean it as a society when we say ‘imprisonment for life,’ I, and the families of countless victims, would sleep better at night knowing there is no chance that the worst of these killers will ever again be able to prey on others. Even then, I personally believe that if you choose to take another human life, you ought to be prepared to pay with your own.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The death penalty does not deter most murders generally, but it may prevent an executed killer from killing again.
In simple terms: Execution may stop a specific killer.
Key Takeaway
Consider specific deterrence.
Themes
justice
deterrence
life
policy
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
Death:1
Death penalty:1
Deterrence:1
Human life:1
Innocent life:1
Life:1
Penalty:1
Deterrence Admit:0
Deterrent Murder:0
General Deterrent:0
When to use this quote
- court decisions
- legislative debates
- victim advocacy
Key Concepts
capital punishment
moral philosophy
public safety
Questions to Reflect On
- Is specific deterrence sufficient justification?
- How to balance justice and prevention?
A Different Perspective
Effectiveness varies by context.