The Death Penalty

[1961casey]

Devonin,

You have stated several times that you do not believe that the death penalty is not a just form of punishment. Other than expressing the fear that there might be a mistake made in executing the death penalty on an innocent man, you have not explained why it is not just. Can you explain how a murderer can compensate someone for the loss of their family member? Can you make a killer feel sorry for his actions? Is there anyway that a prison sentence will ease the pain of a missing friend? For that matter, can even a death sentence bring back a brother, father, uncle, or son? Perhaps a killer can be made to see the error of his ways, but wouldn't that make it easier for him to face his execution as a matter of bare minimum justice?

You may claim that a murderer could be rehabilitated and that he could be reintegrated into society as a fully contributing member. But that doesn't extend the same privelege to his victim. Perhaps, the murderer could have a major portion of his wages and possessions given to the victim's family, but that would only be a cold comfort; it still wouldn't bring the victim back. If the friends and family members of the victim can recieve any solace it is that time can heal all wounds, except when they have to face that murderer, again and again; whether at his parole hearings or even out on the street as a free man. Is that justice? Granted, you could put the murderer in jail for the rest of his life, but he still would have priveleges, no matter how small, that his victim can never receive.

I am in favour of the death penalty because sometimes, even that is not good enough.