Dilemma of Death Penalty in Pakistan

Abstract

This study aims to assess social perceptions regarding the effectiveness of capital punishment. The study seeks to identify many factors used to perceive capital punishment as an effective deterrent. The respondents' knowledge and awareness regarding the legal consequences of crime and legalized execution are significant attributes in the current study. Furthermore, the limitations and strengths of the study are presented. Some recommendations and useful findings that may help formulate policies for capital crimes are also provided. The death Penalty is a ubiquitous topic in the world to discuss. Many Criminologists have supported it based on its effectiveness in deterring criminals, while others have rejected it as a violation of human dignity. This quantitative study examines lawyers' perspectives on capital punishment across five district bar associations in Punjab Province. Data was collected from 600 randomly selected lawyers using self-administered questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings indicate that most respondents support the death penalty for certain crimes, while a minority oppose it for differing reasons. Multivariate analysis reveals a significant correlation between stricter punishments and a decline in homicide rates.