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JustDisGuy · 10-13-2004, 07:14 PM

Well, here's my two bits.

I am Christian, and am not in favour of the death penalty, aka capital punishment.

The reason however is because of the possibility of an innocent life being taken in the pursuit of the guilty. The Bible specifically authorizes the Rule of Law and in many places advocates the use of the death penalty. It is not a forbidden punishment under the tenets of Christianity.

If we could be 100% certain that only the guilty would suffer the ultimate toll for their crimes, I think I would have to reconsider my position.

-pause-

The offenders who would likely be penalized in such fashion would be some of the most expensive to society in terms of 'upkeep'.

The possibility exists that their crimes are the result of some mental condition that is curable.

Someone who breaks the law may still be rehabilitated and make a meaningful contribution to society.

Nope - still against it. It's the optimist in me that suggests that we can be reasonably sure that an offender has been sufficiently rehabilitated to be released before they are. AND, that tells me that the process isn't going to be interfered with politically, but of course that is not the case in reality. Political interference - yet another excellent CON in the argument for capital punishment.

Here's are a few scenarios:
1.Put yourself on death row for a crime you didn't commit. Is the death penalty still a good idea? Would you sacrifice yourself and your family's time with you for this perceived benefit?

2.You're on death row, and you're guilty. You killed your daughter, who was severely mentally and physically handicapped, and suffered excruciating pain every day of her life. She had the cognitive ability of a six month old child, and there was no hope of any improvement, ever. You also happen to be a doctor - say, a geneticist. One who, if released, eventually has an epiphany and comes up with a cure for -insert terrible illness here-. Is society better off with you dead, or contributing to its benefit?

3.You're on death row. You're guilty. You're poor, uneducated, genetically challenged and we are all quite certain you'll never make any meaningful direct contribution to society. You cost the taxpayers $80000 per year for your incarceration. Should you be put to death?
Now, it's a year after 'the date'. You're alive, and talking with a psychologist. She realizes what caused you to do the crimes you did, and effects a cure that can prevent any future person from being subjected to that particular causal effect.
Oops, sorry - you're dead. No psychologist after all.
Is society better off?

Capital punishment is a lose - lose scenario, and the problems with it are not religious in nature. As a Christian, I am neither for nor against the death penalty. As a member of our society, I am steadfastly opposed.

10-13-2004, 07:14 PM	#45 (permalink)
JustDisGuy Insane Location: Saskatchewan	Well, here's my two bits. I am Christian, and am not in favour of the death penalty, aka capital punishment. The reason however is because of the possibility of an innocent life being taken in the pursuit of the guilty. The Bible specifically authorizes the Rule of Law and in many places advocates the use of the death penalty. It is not a forbidden punishment under the tenets of Christianity. If we could be 100% certain that only the guilty would suffer the ultimate toll for their crimes, I think I would have to reconsider my position. -pause- The offenders who would likely be penalized in such fashion would be some of the most expensive to society in terms of 'upkeep'. The possibility exists that their crimes are the result of some mental condition that is curable. Someone who breaks the law may still be rehabilitated and make a meaningful contribution to society. Nope - still against it. It's the optimist in me that suggests that we can be reasonably sure that an offender has been sufficiently rehabilitated to be released before they are. AND, that tells me that the process isn't going to be interfered with politically, but of course that is not the case in reality. Political interference - yet another excellent CON in the argument for capital punishment. Here's are a few scenarios: 1.Put yourself on death row for a crime you didn't commit. Is the death penalty still a good idea? Would you sacrifice yourself and your family's time with you for this perceived benefit? 2.You're on death row, and you're guilty. You killed your daughter, who was severely mentally and physically handicapped, and suffered excruciating pain every day of her life. She had the cognitive ability of a six month old child, and there was no hope of any improvement, ever. You also happen to be a doctor - say, a geneticist. One who, if released, eventually has an epiphany and comes up with a cure for -insert terrible illness here-. Is society better off with you dead, or contributing to its benefit? 3.You're on death row. You're guilty. You're poor, uneducated, genetically challenged and we are all quite certain you'll never make any meaningful direct contribution to society. You cost the taxpayers $80000 per year for your incarceration. Should you be put to death? Now, it's a year after 'the date'. You're alive, and talking with a psychologist. She realizes what caused you to do the crimes you did, and effects a cure that can prevent any future person from being subjected to that particular causal effect. Oops, sorry - you're dead. No psychologist after all. Is society better off? Capital punishment is a lose - lose scenario, and the problems with it are not religious in nature. As a Christian, I am neither for nor against the death penalty. As a member of our society, I am steadfastly opposed. __________________ "Act as if the future of the universe depends on what you do, while laughing at yourself for thinking that your actions make any difference."