Many homicides arise from impulsive arguments, which the death penalty cannot deter

Evidence

A good number of homicides occur in the context of arguments between individuals in close relationships, for example, in domestic violence, in jealousies and disputes in other stormy relationships, and in conflicts with associates and acquaintances. When we consider the circumstances under which many homicides occur, it is not surprising that the prospect of the death penalty does not arise. — Albert Bandura, Moral Disengagement, 1956

Categorization

• XREF: Connects to the death-penalty deterrence debate and to Toch’s work on escalated conflicts.
• DEFINE: Clarifies why homicide circumstances make capital punishment a non-deterrent — the ‘crimes of passion’ framing.