A review of U.S. and foreign studies reveals no evidence that the death penalty deters violent crime. This discussion addresses factors which contribute to increases in homicides, such as the availability of handguns and increasing demands on law enforcement agencies. Recent crime trends are analyzed, as is the argument that the death penalty should be retained for certain categories of murder, notably those of police officers. Studies on recidivism refute the contention that capital punishment protects society from repeat offenders, since convicted murderers represent one of the lowest risks of recidivism. The article examines the extremely high costs of imposing the death penalty, largely due to procedural safeguards, and the just retribution viewpoint. Research also shows that, despite the most stringent safeguards, the death penalty has been inflicted on the innocent. Finally, polls surveying public opinion about the death penalty are evaluated. Footnotes.