There now is sophisticated research that strongly suggests a deterrent effect [of capital punishment]. Furthermore, the principal argument against the deterrent effect is weak. The argument is that in most jurisdictions where capital punishment has been abolished there has been no immediate, sharp increase in what had been capital crimes. But in those jurisdictions, the actual act of abolition was an insignificant event because for years the death penalty had been imposed rarely, if at all. Common sensewhich deserves deference until it is refutedsuggests that the fear of death can deter some premeditated crimes, including some murders. George F. Will, Cleveland Plain-Dealer, March 13, 1981

EVALUATING ARGUMENTSAnalyze each of the following arguments by completing these steps:

• 1. Summarize the reasons and conclusion given.
• 2. Identify which, if any, of the following deductive argument forms is used: application of a general rule
• modus ponens (affirming the antecedent)
• modus tollens (denying the consequence)
• disjunctive syllogism
• 3. Evaluate the truth of the reasons that support the conclusion