When I have the opportunity to interview one of these men, I always ask if the death penalty would have deterred him from his crime. Without exception, he’ll say no. I asked one rapist why, and he responded by asking me a series of questions. Had I ever skipped school? Yes. Did I know in advance that I would be punished if caught? Yes. Then why did I do it? Because I didn’t think I would be caught, I said. There you go, he said.
