Restoring The Death Penalty And Protecting Public Safety

What is the Presidential Action?

The President has issued an executive order to restore and enforce the use of capital punishment at the federal level in the United States. This order mandates that the Department of Justice pursue the death penalty for severe crimes, ensuring that laws allowing capital punishment are upheld. It also aims to counteract the actions of judges and politicians who have previously worked to obstruct its implementation.

Background or Context with Statistics and Source References

Historically, the use of the death penalty in the U.S. has been a contentious issue. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, as of the end of 2021, there were 2,436 inmates on death row. Research shows mixed results regarding its effectiveness as a deterrent. A survey by the National Research Council reported in 2012 found no reliable evidence that the death penalty deters homicides more than long prison sentences. Despite this, a significant portion of the population continues to support capital punishment, citing justice and retribution for heinous crimes as key factors.

Why This Action Was Taken

The executive order was prompted by concerns over public safety and a perceived failure to adequately punish and deter criminals responsible for the most heinous crimes. This action aims to rectify what the current administration views as leniency and a lack of justice under previous policies, particularly the moratorium on federal executions and the commutation of sentences by the previous administration.

Short and Long-term Impact on People

• Short-term: There may be an increase in federal executions, which could lead to significant emotional and social impacts on the families involved and the communities where these crimes occurred.
• Long-term: Potentially, there could be changes in crime rates if the policy acts as a deterrent, though this is highly debated among experts. Additionally, the international view of the U.S. justice system might be affected, impacting diplomatic relations.

Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success

The success of reinstating the death penalty can be evaluated through several metrics:

• Changes in homicide and violent crime rates post-implementation.
• Public opinion polls reflecting support or opposition to the death penalty.
• Judicial metrics, such as the number of death sentences issued versus overturned.
• International reactions and potential impacts on human rights evaluations.