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Can we effectively test capital deterrence in Maryland and Virginia now?

By Douglas A. Berman

Whether the death penalty deters murders is an important and always controversial topic.  I tend to assume we will never know for sure and/or that the answer varies based on array of non-legal factors that cannot be effectively measured or modified.  That all said, the recent death penalty news in the vicinity of the nation's capital has me wondering if a terrific capital deterrence case-study is being created. Specifically, consider this Washington Post report on recent capital debate headlined, "Maryland & Virginia Go Separate Ways On Death Penalty": In both states, moves are afoot to make big changes in death penalty law. As the states' stereotypes would have it, Virginia is considering expanding use of capital punishment, while Gov. Martin O'Malley is stepping out to press Maryland to end its use of the ultimate sentence...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on January 28, 2009 (boomark / email).