Reply #5: My philosophy on the death penalty [View All]

[Coventina]

Short version: I am against it.

Longer explanation: Some people deserve to die for what they have done. In a "perfect" world, people would always get what they deserve. BUT since this is NOT a perfect world, mistakes are made, people are mis-identified, some people are framed, some people commit atrocities for which there are extenuating circumstances (mental illness, brain damage, abusive situations). The list of "gray areas" is a mile long.

As a society, it is BETTER to err on the side of caution and mercy.

I understand that on a PERSONAL level, if one of my loved ones was murdered, you bet I would want vengeance. I would want them to be put to death in the most cruel way possible. But this is precisely WHY we have a justice system, to take crime and justice out of the "personal" arena. It is not always fair. I know that I would yell and scream for blood.

Civilization needs to guard against personal vengeance, because that would tear society apart. And it would be hoped, that if we can choose mercy and forbearance collectively, that it will help to build those traits individually.

As Gandhi said, "An eye for an eye leaves the world blind."