Death penalty attitudes rest on retribution, not empirical deterrence evidence.

Evidence

In the final analysis, empirical findings do not change people’s minds regarding the death penalty. Many advocates say that they would still support the death penalty even if it was demonstrated conclusively to have no deterrent effect (Vidmar & Ellsworth, 1974). As shown in the poll cited earlier (Newport, 2011), they seek retribution and vengeance. Deterrence is low on their list. Conversely, abolitionists say they would oppose capital punishment even if it was demonstrated conclusively to deter homicides. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1966 (#corroborates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Skepticism about deterrence does not reduce support for executions.; Pro-death-penalty defenders concede deterrence evidence is weak; Support for capital punishment rests on retribution, not deterrence evidence — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement: How People Do Harm…, 1966 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• Support for capital punishment rests on retribution, not deterrence evidence #corroborates (0.98) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1966