Most of the death-row inmates' files I read show they were in very unfortunate circumstances during childhood. It's almost like they had no choice but to lead their lives like this.

Yep. That's about right. Most of them are 'broken' at some level. Uh! So should we just let the whole death penalty thing slide? What they really need is a hug.

What a line of bull. Countless people have difficult/unfortunate childhoods and don't go around murdering people. It was their CHOICE to pull the trigger, stab, etc so don't f@&*$#g blame their upbringing.

They had the choice, they just picked the wrong one.

Well, it didn't stop you executing them did it?

always have a choice. Just circumstances limit choices for some of society.

Basically there are three theories that provide a valid approach as to whether criminals are born or made. The first is the biological theory which suggests that a biological factor played a significant role in criminality than genetic factors or environmental influences due to the fact that criminal behavior tends to run in families. The second is the psychological theory which suggest that negative expectations cause certain individuals to behave toward others in a criminal way because their stereo-type alters their social interactions which makes it a self-fulfilling prophesy. Last of all the social theory of crime suggest that learning occurs when an individual who is the learner observes and copies another person who is the model. Therefore all three approaches are supported through evidence. As a result a combination of all three theories would perhaps provide a more thorough answer to why people participate in criminal behavior.

Maybe, but do you REALLY have to kill them?

Just sticking them in a cell for the rest of their life isn't good enough?