Just a quick thought on punishment and ethics.
Random Thoughts, World Philosophy/Current Issues July 23rd, 2008A recent news article brought to my attention a deficiency in the justice system. I have long sat on the preverbial fence of the capital punishment debate. While knowing it is not correct and almost a backward way to set an example for the community and public, I also have a feeling that if someone were to wrong a loved one the way pedofiles, rapists, murders and other monsters of society do, I may not be able to control my own actions… I recognise this is a contradiction in my thought but am still left wanting when it comes to judgement time.
However, when a man recieves jail time for molesting youth for OVER 50 YEARS, and will obviously die in prison after serving a short time of his sentence, has justice really been served?
The hundreds of people whose lives he ruined will be in an abstract prison for the rest of their life, unable to retract the crimes done against them, while in my opinion, the criminal has got off lightly only really encurring a possible natural death.
What do you think about capital punishment? What is worse - dying in prison or being put to death?
August 10th, 2008 at 3:53 am
We all want the problem to ‘go away’.
The damage might be done, but sometimes what we really need to do to move forward is to have the knowledge that the person that harmed us will never ever appear in front of our eyes ever again.
To take it a step further, some would want the knowledge that said person no longer exists.
So I vote… for the families: Put to death.
November 25th, 2008 at 6:19 am
capital punishment is more than an eye for an eye. its a WARNING for other potential offenders. Its more effective of a disincentive than: dont do this or…. you will spend the rest of your life being fed, clothed, protected (and many other things that are more comfortable than most people live OUTSIDE of gaol) all paid for by the state.
having said that. i would like to think that even if the worst thing imaginable happened to me… i would still be able to forgive… and not have to take an eye
March 2nd, 2009 at 11:11 pm
“What is worse - dying in prison or being put to death?”
Dying in a cell is far worse than being put to death. Spending years and years on end sitting in a box surrounded by cold, lifeless walls with your soul rotting away everyday. It ain’t good for the mental or physical.
Being put to death is a far easier way out.
March 3rd, 2009 at 3:40 am
The responses to this article highlight its complexity. I agree with them all!