Statement–Argument — Should a person found guilty of rape be punished with capital punishment? Arguments: I) Yes; severe punishment deters grievous crimes and may change the behavior of would-be offenders. II) No; capital punishment could incentivize the offender to kill the victim to destroy evidence. Choose the strong argument(s).
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Aif only argument I is strong.
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Bif only argument II is strong.
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CIf either I or II is strong.
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Dif neither I nor II is strong
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ENone of these
Answer
Correct Answer: If either I or II is strong.
Explanation
Introduction / Context:Penal policy must weigh deterrence, retribution, incapacitation, and unintended consequences. The death penalty for rape is uniquely contentious because it can alter offender incentives.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Harsh penalties can deter some offenders, though evidence varies.
- If the penalty for rape equals that for murder, offenders might murder to silence witnesses.
- Victim safety and reporting rates are crucial policy metrics.
Concept / Approach:Argument I is strong: it advances a classic deterrence rationale, prioritizing public safety and moral condemnation. Argument II is also strong: it highlights a perverse-incentive risk that directly undermines victim protection and prosecution success. Both are policy-salient and independently persuasive, so “either” is the correct evaluation.
Step-by-Step Solution:
1) I: evaluate deterrence logic → significant public-interest claim.2) II: evaluate perverse-incentive logic → significant safety/prosecution concern.3) Mark “either.”Verification / Alternative check:Some jurisdictions adopt very long non-capital sentences to avoid the perverse incentive while still being severe—illustrating that both concerns matter.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:“Only I/Only II” suppress the competing, credible concern; “Neither” denies evident stakes.
Common Pitfalls:Ignoring impacts on reporting when penalties become extreme.
Final Answer:If either I or II is strong.