Jeff Johnson Is the Newest Judge to Take the Bench

question 6

Multiple Choice

Jeff Johnson is the newest judge to take the bench in the fifth district of Virginia. He spent 25 years as a prosecutor before being elected to the court. He is known for his lenient views on drugs and his extreme conservative views on crimes of violence. Rebecca is a 37-year-old black woman standing in front of Judge Johnson in absolute disbelief that she has not received a life sentence for killing her husband while he slept. She was in an abusive marriage. Instead, she received a five-year sentence. Judge Johnson believes that an offender who is dead cannot commit any more crimes and that the death penalty will deter further homicide. Which of the following arguments is in line with his reasoning?

• A) Harsh punishment is morally correct.
• B) The punishment fits the severity of the crime.
• C) The public generally supports the death penalty.
• D) Homicide rates increase when the death penalty isn't used.