Assertion–Reason (Two Reasons): Assertion (A): Capital punishment has been abolished in many countries. Reason (R1): Very few serious crimes occur in most countries. Reason (R2): Most religions consider killing humans to be a sin.

Difficulty: Medium

Correct Answer: If only reason 2 (R2) and not reason 1 (R1) is the reason for the assertion (A).

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
The assertion concerns the policy reality that many states have abolished the death penalty. We evaluate whether moral–religious reasoning or crime incidence explains this abolition.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • (A) Abolition exists across numerous jurisdictions.
  • (R1) Claims serious crime is rare—factually doubtful as a global explanation.
  • (R2) Notes religious/moral opposition to killing humans.


Concept / Approach:
Abolition movements typically cite moral principles (sanctity of life), human-rights norms, risk of wrongful execution, lack of deterrence evidence, and discriminatory application. Low crime rates are not a necessary or general driver.


Step-by-Step Solution:

1) (R1) is weak: many abolitionist countries still face serious crimes; abolition often preceded crime declines.2) (R2) is historically consistent with ethical/religious arguments against state killing, which, along with human-rights reasoning, plausibly motivates abolition.3) Thus, accept (R2) and reject (R1) as an explanation.


Verification / Alternative check:
Abolition correlates more with normative frameworks than with uniform low crime incidence.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(a) privileges an inaccurate empirical claim; (c) wrongly includes (R1); (d) denies a core moral driver; (e) needless hedging.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming policy change implies crime scarcity; ignoring normative/legal factors.


Final Answer:
Option B: Only (R2) is the reason.

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