CLAT ENGLISH PAPER
Passage The debate over capital punishment has remained one of the most contentious issues in criminal jurisprudence. Proponents contend that the death penalty serves as an indispensable instrument of justice, particularly in cases involving heinous crimes such as terrorism, serial murder, or crimes that profoundly shock the collective conscience of society. They argue that certain offences are so egregious that no punishment short of death can adequately reflect the gravity of the wrongdoing. Furthermore, supporters frequently invoke the principle of deterrence, asserting that the prospect of execution discourages potential offenders from committing the most serious crimes. Opponents, however, challenge these assertions on empirical as well as moral grounds. Numerous criminologists argue that available evidence remains inconclusive regarding the deterrent effect of capital punishment. They maintain that factors such as effective policing, speedy trials, and certainty of con...