What is the death penalty?

The death penalty, or capital punishment, is the legal process by which a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a serious crime, typically murder or treason.

Which countries still widely use the death penalty?

While most countries have abolished it, prominent nations like China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the United States continue to utilize the death penalty for certain offenses.

Is the death penalty an effective deterrent to crime?

There is no conclusive scientific evidence to support the claim that the death penalty deters crime more effectively than life imprisonment. Research on its deterrent effect remains highly debated.

What are the common arguments against the death penalty?

Arguments against include the risk of executing innocent individuals, its irreversible nature, ethical concerns about state-sanctioned killing, its disproportionate application based on race or socioeconomic status, and its potential violation of human rights.