As an atheist, do you support capital punishment?

Question

I'm an atheist and i do support capital punishment (for murderers only) since I think it's the best way to secure society from people who has no regard for human life. I know many of antheists don't support it and I find myself in a tricky position when I consider the human life as sacred and yet favor death penalty. My approach to resolve this contradiction is to think that people who give themselves authority to kill someone (i'am talking about deliberate murder, not self-defense or war situation) don't deserve fair treatment and should be eliminated as they pose threat to others. What's your opinon? (If you are a religiuos fanatic, please don't respond to this question)

Answer 1

I think that death is liberation not punishment. I want people to suffer the consequences of their actions, not being set free from them.

Answer 2

I am an atheist. I'm very much against the death penalty, for several reasons. First, studies show that the death penalty is not a deterrent. Second, there have been many cases of people being found guilty of murder and then later evidence is submitted that overturned the verdict. An automatic death sentence means that society would kill people who are not guilty of murder. Finally, I think the notion of vengeance is harmful. We need justice, not vengeance. I think locking up a murderer for life is justice enough.

Answer 3

I'm uncomfortable with the idea of the state having the power to kill someone based on the decision of twelve non-experts. This is very hypocritical, but I think if the relative of a loved one decides to take fatal retribution for the death of a loved one, and is willing to face society's justice for that action, then that's their call.

Answer 4

Are atheists meant to be detrimental human beings or something. yet i'm an atheist and that i don't help capital punishment. yet, many Christians help it. only check out those historic video clips or doccumentaries that tutor a clergyman examining bible passages good earlier the condemned are approximately to be killed.

Answer 5

I support capital punishment in theory, but not in reality. There just no way you can make it equal across all classes and races of society. If it was up to me I would kill all of them who deserve it and not have some fancy lawyer get them off.

I am not an atheist.

Answer 6

My atheism has nothing to do with it.

Unless you have absolute proof (video tape, etc) of the crime being committed -- not testamony from even the highest trusted people on the planet, then no, not at all. Too many people have already been killed and posthumously proven innocent.

However, given that absolute proof -- no appeals and no wasting time. Fry the bas***d.

Answer 7

I have struggled with this question also. It is made even more difficult by recent events when people on death row were found to be innocent. On the whole, though, I have to agree with you: if someone deliberately chooses to commit murder, they deserve to have their life taken in return.

Answer 8

As an Atheist, I have no problem with the State execution of criminals. Just as long as they are proven guilty based on evidence, not on speculation. I do not believe that the death sentence is a deterrent for criminals, it is just a way to remove them from society.

Answer 9

Not yes, but HELL YES! I don't think I am a full blown atheist...perhaps agnostic will do, perhaps theist in my own way.
But, I am sick to death (pardon the pun) of everyone who gets a death sentence being able to appeal, appeal, appeal...and now, I hear, we are cruel in putting needles in their arms????? I, for one, do not care if they suffer a little pain. I am for peeling them, adding salt to the wounds, then washing them with vinegar. Does that state my case well enough. ??

Answer 10

If it wasn't for capital punishment they wouldn't have easter and thats a 3 day weekend s yes i am in favor of it.