Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Abstract

Since the beginning of time, there has been questions as to what constituted an appropriate level punishment for committing crime. The death penalty is a controversial topic often touching on morals, rights and the administration of justice. It is the ultimate and the most severe punishment imposed by the laws of death penalty states, including Texas. Once carried out, it cannot be undone. Today, 27 states currently impose the death penalty. Of these 27 states, many have not had an execution in over a decade, to include California (Gramlich, J., 2019). Putting aside the arguments for and against this practice and its financial cost to state governments, this study delved into whether its citizens and local officials believe the death penalty serves to deter crime in the State of Texas. Therefore, if the use of the death penalty results in fewer crimes, then the death penalty should continue as part of the Texas Penal Code. This research paper reviewed the brief history of the death penalty and how this process was then redrafted. Past studies focused not on beliefs, but on whether the death penalty deterred crime; however, they have been inconclusive. Through interviews with local law enforcement officials, Criminal District Attorney’s (DAs), and surveys administered to local community members, popular views and themes have been identified and analyzed. This research project explored how the death penalty came to be, its effect on society, whether or not it served as a deterrence to violent crime, and if the public supported such an irreversible punishment.

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