In his article, Branson argues that capital punishment fails to deter crime more effectively than long-term imprisonment. This view is bolstered by the experiences of countries like Mongolia, where the former president, Elbegdorj Tsakhia, reported that abolishing the death penalty did not impact crime rates. Tsakhia, who led the charge to end capital punishment in Mongolia in 2016, observed no spike in criminal activity post-abolition, reinforcing Branson's argument against the death penalty's efficacy as a criminal deterrent.
Highlighting Tragic Miscarriages of Justice
A key point in Branson’s argument centers around the irreversible nature of wrongful convictions.
He extensively referenced the case of Iwao Hakamada in Japan, who, after 56 years on death row, was exonerated following a retrial ordered by the Tokyo High Court. Hakamada’s delayed release highlights profound failings in justice systems that implement the death penalty. Branson uses such examples to underscore the critical risks of executing the innocent.
The danger of wrongful executions is evident in the U.S. as well, where at least 200 individuals have been exonerated from death row. Cases like those of Marcellus Williams in Missouri and Robert Roberson in Texas expose ongoing issues and raise significant ethical questions about the capital punishment system.
Global and National Perspectives on Capital Punishment
Branson's piece weaves together global and U.S. perspectives to underline a universal inconsistency in the application of the death penalty.
By sharing specific examples from different justice systems, he suggests a collective movement toward abolition. "Do we deserve to kill? I don’t think so," Branson challenges readers, aligning his personal beliefs with broader ethical considerations. His stance is both a moral and practical critique of the death penalty.
Legal expert Bryan Stevenson’s words, “The question is not so much whether someone deserves to die, but whether we deserve to kill,” resonate throughout the article, further emphasizing the need for reform in how societies administer justice.
Towards A Crime Prevention Strategy That Works
Branson advocates for a shift from punitive to preventive justice policies.
He calls for investment in alternative strategies that address the root causes of crime rather than capital punishment, which he argues, fails to prevent crime. By focusing on rehabilitation and prevention, societies can develop more just and effective systems.
"It’s time to abolish the death penalty for good," states Branson categorically, reinforcing his vision for a future where justice systems worldwide refrain from employing death as a penalty. This strong assertion aligns with his overarching theme that society must move beyond the death penalty to seek solutions that better honor human dignity and potential.
