2. Reiman argues that the likelihood that punishment (of any kind) will, in fact

Question

2. Reiman argues that the likelihood that punishment (of any kind) will, in fact, be served on the perpetrator of any crime, including murder, is a stronger deterrent than the severity of the punishment. However, the fundamental argument that Reiman mounts against capital punishment is that a more humane penal system, i.e., one without capital punishment, not only is a more civilized system of social punishment of criminals but also has a civilizing effect on the society and its citizens. Explain in detail Reiman's argument.

Explanation / Answer

Reiman grants that if the death penalty were "a substantially better deterrent to murder than life imprisonment," then we would be justified in imposing the death penalty. But he does not believe that the death penalty is a substantially better deterrent than life imprisonment. His argument revolves around the fact that unless an individual goes through the experience of life imprisonment and it's harsh circumstances, reform is less likely to occur. Capital punishment reduces the repercussions merely to fear the idea of death. However, life imprisonment makes the person undergo severe life conditions for such a prolonged period of time, reiterating their crime till the time they are behind bars.

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