All punishment is intended as a deterrent, including capital punishment. https://www.law.columbia.edu/law_school/communications/reports/summer06/capitalpunish h

All punishment is intended as a deterrent, including capital punishment. https://www.law.columbia.edu/law_school/communications/reports/summer06/capitalpunish https://www.law.columbia.edu/law_school/communications/repor... But, even if you don't agree, it's also in no way the cheapest or most effective way to handle this punishment. Google it. Here's one page for you: http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-death-penalty-facts/death-penalty-cost http://www.amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/death-penalty/us-d...