This conversation is far from over. Last week, I cited a new study that criminologists do not believe the death penalty is a deterrent. Dudley Sharp of Homocide Survivors [question to self: how can one survive a homicide?] posted a rebuttal on Friday that is worth reading. He also raises a few points about the authors of the study:
This Survey was funded by Sheilah’s Fund at the Tides Foundation in San Francisco and was arranged through the Death Penalty Information Center (DPIC) in Washington, D.C. The Tides Foundation Death Penalty Mobilization Fund’s sole purpose is the end of the death penalty. Sheilah’s Fund is a direct contributor to anti death penalty efforts, as well.  The DPIC is one of the leading anti death penalty groups in the US and, in my opinion, is one of the most deceptive.  Prof. Radelet has been one of the most active anti death penalty activists for decades. Jeffrey Fagan is a ASC Fellow and has been an anti death penalty activist for decades.
