Answer :
Final answer:
The Supreme Court ruling in Atkins v. Virginia suggests that the death penalty may deter heinous crimes by instilling fear of the ultimate punishment. This concept is based on the belief that severe consequences can discourage criminal behavior. However, the ruling also highlights the nuanced view surrounding the use of capital punishment for mentally impaired individuals.
Explanation:
Understanding the Impact of Death Penalty on Public Safety
According to the Supreme Court's ruling in Atkins v. Virginia, the discussion surrounding the death penalty often centers around its role in promoting public safety. The options presented in the question relate to different viewpoints on the function of capital punishment in society. The statement that best reflects the Supreme Court's perspective is:
- The possibility of receiving the death penalty deters criminals from committing the most heinous crimes.
This option supports the notion that the death penalty serves as a deterrent, discouraging individuals from engaging in severe criminal activities by instilling a fear of the ultimate punishment. The ruling indicated that not everyone, particularly those with mental impairments, deserved such a sentence due to their diminished accountability, which further complicates the conversation about whether the death penalty is effective overall in promoting public safety. In less strict terms, advocates argue that knowing that execution is a possible consequence can lead to a safer society by potentially lowering crime rates associated with serious offenses.
Learn more about Death Penalty and Public Safety here:
https://brainly.com/question/50340799
