Explanation
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, is one of the most controversial sanctions in criminal law. It is used in some countries for particularly serious crimes, such as murder or terrorism, but has been abolished in many others due to concerns over human rights, wrongful convictions, and its questionable deterrent effect. From a criminological perspective, the death penalty highlights the limits of punitive approaches, as research has shown little evidence that it effectively reduces crime compared to alternative sanctions.
Theoretical Reference
The death penalty is at the center of debates in penal theory and criminology. Deterrence theory is often used to justify it, while critical criminology and abolitionist movements challenge its legitimacy as an inhumane and ineffective form of punishment. Michel Foucault’s work on the history of punishment situates the death penalty within broader shifts in state power and biopolitics.