What does capital punishment refer to?

Capital punishment refers specifically to the legal process where a person is put to death by the state as a punishment for a crime, typically reserved for the most serious offenses, such as murder or treason. The terminology aligns with the idea of "capital" crimes, which are those that can lead to the ultimate penalty of death. This method of punishment contrasts sharply with life imprisonment without parole, which allows for the offender to serve a life sentence rather than facing execution. The other options presented do not relate to capital punishment; they address different aspects of the criminal justice and healthcare systems, but do not involve the notion of execution for crimes. Understanding capital punishment is essential when discussing issues related to legal justice, ethics, and human rights.