What is meant by the term "capital punishment"?

Capital punishment refers to the legally sanctioned practice of executing individuals as a form of punishment for specific crimes, typically serious offenses like murder or treason. This concept is rooted in the belief that certain crimes are so grievous that the ultimate penalty, which is the loss of life, is warranted. Unlike imprisonment, which restricts an individual's freedom, capital punishment results in the irreversible removal of the individual from society. In this context, the term implies a formal legal process, where the sentence is usually carried out following a trial and conviction under the law.

Understanding this definition is crucial, especially as capital punishment raises significant ethical, legal, and social debates surrounding its application, effectiveness as a deterrent, and its impact on crime rates. The other options do not accurately capture the essence of capital punishment, as they refer to different legal concepts related to incarceration, compensation, and procedural aspects of the legal system rather than the execution of a death sentence.