Changes

'''Capital punishment''', also known as the '''death penalty''', refers to the custom of executing prisoners who are convicted of certain crimes. Such crimes are known as capital [[crime]]s, and tend to be grave crimes against persons or governments (such as [[premeditation|premeditated]] [[murder]], [[rape]] or [[treason]]).  For many years, [[English law]] imposed capital punishment for the crime of polygamy.

'''Capital punishment''', also known as the '''death penalty''', refers to the custom of executing prisoners who are convicted of certain heinous crimes. Such crimes are known as capital [[crime]]s, and tend to be grave crimes against persons or governments (such as [[premeditation|premeditated]] [[murder]], [[rape]] or [[treason]]).  For many years, [[English law]] imposed capital punishment for the crime of polygamy.

 

There are several compelling justifications for the death penalty today.  It promotes conversion and confession by the criminal.  It can bring closure and relief to the families of victims of terrible crimes.  It can deter wrongdoing.  It can be a helpful negotiating tool for prosecutors to obtain a confession and life sentence rather than force victims' families to endure a disturbing trial.  It can also ensure that the criminal does not repeat his crime in prison, or escape and harm the public further.

== In the world today ==

== In the world today ==