NCJ Number
107710
Journal
Canadian Journal of Criminology Volume: 29 Issue: 4 Dated: (October 1987) Pages: 405-419
Date Published
1987
Length
15 pages
Annotation
Factors affecting the abolition or reinstatement of capital punishment were examined in a comparative analysis of data for 19 States and countries.
Abstract
Factors found to be related to the reintroduction of the death penalty included a change in government, emphasis on high crime rates and crime control policies, economic crisis or deterioration, social turbulence, and indications of a real threat to the social system. In addition, restoration was more likely when the time since abolition is short and when it is restored only to specified crimes. In the final analysis, the decision to restore the death penalty lies with the government and is based upon its interest in retaining power. An analysis of the situation in Canada suggests that calls for restoration followed a change in government and rising crime rates. Police have been the major group calling for restoration of the death penalty. While the Canadian Government has not viewed the threat to its power as significant enough to justify restoration of the death penalty, this situation may change. 51 references.