The death penalty does not actually deter crime.

Capital punishment supporters often argue the death penalty is a way to maintain law and order. However, there is no major evidence that capital punishment discourages criminals.

Crime rates continue to fall even as states execute fewer people.

In a national survey on effective ways to reduce crime, police officers ranked the death penalty last. According to the survey, reducing drug abuse and improving the economy were more effective.

Capital punishment is therefore yet another government program that is both expensive and ineffective — while also pertaining to literal life or death situations.