Protagonists of human rights vehemently oppose capital punishment. Theiropposition stems mainly from three reasons. Firstly, man cannot terminate what he cannot generate. Secondly, the function of punishment is to reform the culprit. Thirdly, a culprit should be given an opportunity to repent. Admittedly, death penalty fails on all three counts. However, the defenders argue that a person is punished because he has to pay for his deeds. Reformation or repentance, according to them, is peripheral. Hence, death penalty is admissible.Which one of the following is the focus of this debate ?

• A. Man's rights and privileges
• B. Nature and purpose of punishment
• C. Prevention of crime
• D. Mercy and revenge