What is the definition of "capital punishment"?

The definition of "capital punishment" is accurately captured by stating that it refers to the legally authorized killing of someone as punishment for a crime. This form of punishment is typically reserved for the most serious offenses, such as murder or acts of terrorism, and is carried out under specific legal protocols. The concept is rooted in the idea that certain crimes warrant the ultimate sentence due to their severity, and capital punishment is often justified as a means of deterring crime, delivering justice for victims, and fulfilling societal moral standards concerning retribution.

The other options present alternative forms of punishment but do not encompass the unique nature of capital punishment. Life imprisonment without parole, while severe, does not involve the taking of life. Similarly, heavy fines and community service are forms of punishment that focus on rehabilitation or restitution rather than the deprivation of life. Thus, they do not fit the specific legal and moral framework that defines capital punishment.