[pjmorris]

My main point here was that severe, even terminal, retribution is neither new, nor unique to United States culture, addressing the GP's query.

[ryanlol]

>nor unique to United States culture

In 2020 the US is the only western country with the death penalty.

I’m sure everyone is aware that most countries used to have very severe punishments, but that’s not the case today.

[pjmorris]

You've got a great point here. I've heard, and need to look in to it more, that most countries have a 'restorative' justice system, while the US has a 'retributive' justice system.