Based on previous conversations I've had, the death penalty does not seem to really have a deterrence effect. Most often, it takes years before the criminal's death is carried out, if at all. Some criminals view death as better than life in prison. Life in prison means living out your punishment every day whereas death can be viewed as a cop out or as a way to avoid punishment depending on the accused's after-life beliefs. I don't really think we would be safer with or without a death penalty,