According to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Atkins v. Virginia, how does the death penalty promote public safety?

AThe death penalty serves as retribution for the most heinous crimes.

BThe death penalty demonstrates governmental authority as the most extreme punishment available.

CThe possibility of receiving the death penalty deters criminals from committing the most heinous crimes.

DThe death penalty is an unconstitutional and excessive punishment, given American society’s evolving views of decency.