david small - // These cowards would be terrified of swinging, and it might make them think twice knowing their possible fate. //
By definition, criminals are not very bright, from the shoplifter to the murderer, they are rarely known for fascinating insights into the consequences of their actions. That requires an ability to think ahead and look at possible scenarios, something the average criminal is probably incapable of doing.
I have said before, and I say again, I don't believe that anyone murders someone while thinking about the potential results of being caught and convicted for it. Obviously, if they did, they wouldn't do the murder.
But people who murder people don't think, they just act - which is why Capital Punishment is no deterrent, because no-one ponders its implications in advance of the act.