Question

if united states support capital punishment would be willing t abandon it if convicted murderers could be sentenced to life imprisonment with absolutely no chance of parole? similarly if united states oppose the death penalty would they change their opinion if evidence emerged that proved that it really was an effective deterrent?

Answer 1

I am not sure what you are asking here.

Answer 2

The death penalty is always an effective deterrent! Dead people never repeat their crimes! However, it is not effective in deterring others, who typically believe they won't get caught or convicted or — in the heat of their emotions — are not thinking of the consequences of their act at the time of the murder.

Especially in these severe economic times, the cost of life imprisonment is very great. There is also the possibility the the convict might escape their imprisonment to repeat the crime.

However, if there is an error in the conviction, no one who has been executed can be brought back to life. In contrast, prisoners can be released and possibly partially compensated for their false imprisonment.

You seem to be asking the question as if you view the people of the United States as being of one mind. There is great variability on opinions on the death penalty. The answer to your questions would vary, depending on what proportions of the population had what opinions. What do you think?

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.