Death penalty offenses vary so widely they violate proportionality

Evidence

The application of retribution is problematic in a number of ways. There are wide variations over time and across cultures in the types of offenses that are punishable by death. At one time the death penalty was imposed for kidnapping, adultery, robbery, theft, blasphemy, Sabbath violations, hijacking, counterfeiting, drug trafficking, prostitution, arson, and rape. In patriarchal cultures, females are killed for conduct believed to bring shame on the family. Such offenses usually involve violations of social norms and traditions. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1879 (#exemplifies, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Criminal juries systematically convict less often than judges would in identical cases — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1439; The death penalty in practice fell capriciously on a random handful of the condemned. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 2002; Abolition is uneven across states while thousands remain on death row nationally. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1995 (+4 more)

Broader Connections

• The proportionality principle breaks down across the historical range of capital offenses #exemplifies (0.92) — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1879