Question

Statement: Should all those who are convicted for heinous crimes like murder or rape, beyond all reasonable doubts be given capital punishment or death penalty?

Arguments:
I. No. The death penalty should be given only in very rare and exceptional cases.
II. Yes. This is the only way to punish such people who take others' lives or indulge in inhuman activities.
III. Yes. Such severe punishments only will make people refrain from such heinous acts and the society will be safer.
IV. No. Those who are repentant for the crime they committed should be given a chance to improve and lead a normal life.

• A. Only II and IV are strong
• B. All are strong
• C. Only III is strong
• D. Only II and III are strong
• E. Only I, II and III are strong

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Only III is strong

Clearly, a person committing a heinous crime like murder or rape should be so punished as to set an example for others not to attempt such acts in future. So, argument III holds strong. Argument I is vague while the use of the word 'only' in argument II makes it weak. Also, it cannot be assured whether a criminal is really repentant of his acts or not, he may also exhibit so just to get rid of punishment. So, argument IV also does not hold.