NEW research from the University of Limerick has revealed that long prison sentences can be as effective as the death penalty in deterring homicides.
The study, which examines the effect of capital punishment and life sentences on homicide rates, is co-authored by associate professor at UL’s Kemmy Business School, Dr Vincent O’Sullivan.
According to the research, published in the Southern Economic Journal, the death penalty had a deterrent effect on homicides in Australia, resulting in an estimated 7.6 per cent reduction in the crime.
Dr O’Sullivan said the study is likely to generate much debate in the coming years, particularly in the United States, where the death penalty still exists.
“The US is at a crossroads when it comes to the penalty. Its usage had been declining since the 1990s and several large states such as California and Pennsylvania are on the cusp of abolition”, the UL associate professor said.
“However, the Trump administration has indicated that it is very much in favour of the death penalty, so there will be much debate on this over the next few years.”
As part of the project, the UL research team examined the history of Australia, from just after its founding to the present day.
Australia last used the death penalty in 1967, with most states in the country having abolished it by the end of the 1970s.
The UL researchers said that they hoped the findings will help in informing policy makers in considering abolishing the death penalty.
