What is a characteristic of capital punishment?

Capital punishment is characterized as a form of social defense. This means it is viewed as a way for society to protect itself from serious offenders who pose a continuing threat to others. The rationale behind this perspective is that by executing individuals convicted of particularly heinous crimes, society not only seeks to ensure that these individuals cannot harm others again, but it also serves as a deterrent to potential criminals who might consider similar actions.

This understanding emphasizes that capital punishment functions within the context of maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law, rather than aiming for restorative justice, rehabilitation, or suggesting that it has been rendered illegal universally. Each of these contexts—restorative justice and rehabilitation—aligns more with approaches focused on healing and reintegration rather than the definitive and punitive nature of capital punishment.