Is it ok to use deathrow inmates in human expirementation for the purpose of finding a cure for cancer?

Question

Sorry if i post a pretty stupid question, but what is your opinion about this one. Is it a violation to human dignity or the other side.. (considering that it may involved lethal results) >.< i should have merged that one

Actually i am considering that it might be a bit off exploiting them

And the possibilty that they are innocent since that our justice system is not perfect

Actually that sorry post is an apology for my other post (im a NOOB).

Thanks guy for answering my question. It really helps ^__^

Answer 1

They don't come any harder than I when it comes to the death penalty. I believe 30 days to file an appeal and 60 for the court to respond is it. Follow this formula through state and federal courts then carry on with the execution. I see no sense in sentencing to death a man who killed two 17 year old kids and not executing him for 25 years. Allowing a murdered to live longer on death row than his victim did in their life seems, somehow, very sick to me.

That said, I don't like your idea. As a previous answerer commented, Hitler did some stuff along these lines.

As an alternate, could we allow them to volunteer for said experiments? Fully informed consent in exchange for some privileges on death row. As another answerer commented, they could be remembered as a hero. Imagine names like Salk and Bundy on the same plaque attesting to their great works for humanity. Ironic isn't it?

BTW, I don't consider this a stupid question. Now stupid questions do exist. Things like:

How old am I?
Am I hot?
Do you like my avatar?

Then there are the classics:

Hi?
Bye?

Please note, they are neither intelligent nor questions.

I would encourage anyone to post questions that probe inner feelings. I don't think Americans are aware of how they actually feel about some issues. The "stupid" question you asked did that to me and I appreciate it. I'm certain it has done it for others as well. Even if they choose not to respond, some are pondering the issue.

So, thanks, I think you did good!!!

Answer 2

I've read that in China they do use deatth row inmates for harvesting organs without consent of the inmate, so they may have a different answer to what is right or not. In Western culture, ethical scientific expermentation on humans requires informed consent - so are you asking about getting informed consent from the inmate, or just forcing them to be in the experiment?

Answer 3

You hit one nail on the head, should we even have a death penalty? Is it fairly meted out?
I would say we should not have one b/c we can't get it right. If someone on death row (or anyone) wants to volunteer, fine. Should we force them? I say no. Our dignity is worth more than that. One has to realize that our lifespan is almost twice as long as it has been for all of human history. Should we really force people to be experimented on for the extra 5-10 years it gains us?

Answer 4

since the inmates are on death row, they have nothing better to do than be in prison. for the ones that are rightfully guilty, they do not realize how good they have it. i don't have a problem with them being used as guinea pigs and i'd be willing to bet a lot of them would volunteer for the cause.

on the other hand, it may seem cruel to use them as guinea pigs but didn't they lose their rights when they decided to become murderer's and rapists or whatever it was that got them there?

Answer 5

I believe its wrong. Unless they volunteer to do so. They are still human, and if they are being put to death then they are paying for whatever they did. No system of judgement is without error, Im sure there are people in prison that shouldn't be. I think this would be a form of torture. Remember Hitler?

Answer 6

Assuming that for whatever reason this was a good idea (it isn't) and that we live in a barbaric and Godless society ... let's be practical ...

How many death row inmates do you think have cancer?

What exactly would you "experiment" on in order to "cure" a disease that they don't actually have? How would you judge the effectiveness of the experiments?

Answer 7

Consider that there are people on death row who are exonerated, that would be like dragging anyone off the street & forcing them to take part - anyone who supports this idea should be willing to give up their own lives first, to participate in the testing process.

Does this also suggest a problem with the death penalty (like, what about people who were conclusively proven to be innocent, AFTER they were executed).

Answer 8

Assuming that your judicial system is very honest and right, when they give death penalty. then......


That guy should not be given death penalty .... because that guy would have caused so much pain/suffering to his victim, i usually believe that "death penalty" is like letting him off.

Ideally that person should be given military torture for atleast 5 years so that he suffers as much as his victims did.

Now looking at other options, what you have mentioned is one great option. Do all possible experimentation before he is killed.

If innocent monkeys/dogs can be experimented upon why not cruel-criminals.

Answer 9

No it's not. They are still human and have the right to choose if they want to partake in the experiment or not. They may be held captive but their minds are still free.

Answer 10

Once a criminal has been sentenced to death,they are owned by the state. what we should be doing is putting them to death and harvesting the organs for deserving individuals.