And people flocked to watch executions - for entertainment.
Capital punishment has never been about deterrence, nor has it ever been an effective deterrent.
Capital punishment has never been about deterrence, nor has it ever been an effective deterrent.
Not even once?
But that was far from the norm. In the hope that you might actually go and educate yourself somewhat on the topic, here is the Times report on the last public execution ever carried out in England, that of Michael Barrett on 26 May 1868.
https://www.arthurlloyd.co.uk/Timeline/Execution.htm
It certainly sounds like it had the effect you claim it does, doesn't it?