The practice of putting certain convicted felons to death is a precedent that dates far back to early civilization. Unfortunately, it has become a very controversial issue in the United States over the last century. The death penalty was put into place for a number of reasons, but the biggest being the deterrent effect of capital punishment. Some would say that the death penalty does not deter murder. In 1985, economist Stephen K. Layson at the …showed first 75 words of 1536 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1536 total…Should We Have Capital Punishment? Lerner Publications Company, 1993. Nardo, Don. Death Penalty (Lucent Overview Series) Lucent Books, 1992. Rose, Joel. The Big Book of Thugs . Paradox Press, 1996. Wekesser, Carol. The Death Penalty (Opposing Viewpoints) Greenhaven Press, Inc., 1991. Hammel, Andrew. “Th Anti-Death Penalty Movement has Failed.” Internet. Johansen, Jay. “Does Capital Punishment Deter Crime?” Internet. Justice for all. "Death Penalty and Sentencing Information in the United States." Internet. Pro-death penalty.com. “Death Penalty and Sentencing Information.” Internet.