Why the death penalty? Is it fair to victims?

Question

I don't understand the death penalty my daughter was murdered and I don't want her killer to die but to go to prison for many many years so he can suffer as we suffer without her once they die their suffering is over while those left behind will feel the pain for life how fair is that stay in prison locked up with no freedom day to day the same old world that you hate and when death comes when you are old and your life has passed you will welcome death this is why some prisoners don't want appeals they know the death penalty is better than living their life locked up 4ever

for those who think life in prison is great it is not I have asked around and many who have been there would rather die than go back prisons need to be reformed and rahabilitate those that can be rehabilitated so they don't get out and leave those in prison that deserve it for ever sentences need to be longer and life in prison should be just that life in prison 10 years-10 years 20 years-20 years etc no matter what anger or pain I feel nothing will bring my daughter back and right or wrong my greatest satisfaction at this time comes from knowing he has been in jail for 10 months and 27 days and he's still awaiting trial this is his first time in jail so I know he hates it

Answer 1

you're quite brave to say this with anger still inside after he took your daughter from you!

I also don't believe in the death penalty, we are not ones to judge whether we take another life too...

as for the so called "luxuries" that prisoners get, it's called humanity!

BUT one things for sure, they can't just wake up and get into their car and go for a drive to the shops, go to their friends place, see a family member, go to a movie, picnic... or even decide on a vacation.
They cannot join friends in another social gathering...
...they cannot get up and help themselves to the refridgerator.
Can't phone anyone they like when they like...

They ARE in prison, but how awful to know you are held captive in a cell only to be killed off eventually!

Answer 2

2267 Assuming that the guilty party's identity and responsibility have been fully determined, the traditional teaching of the Church does not exclude recourse to the death penalty, if this is the only possible way of effectively defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If, however, non-lethal means are sufficient to defend and protect people's safety from the aggressor, authority will limit itself to such means, as these are more in keeping with the concrete conditions of the common good and are more in conformity to the dignity of the human person. Today, in fact, as a consequence of the possibilities which the state has for effectively preventing crime, by rendering one who has committed an offense incapable of doing harm - without definitely taking away from him the possibility of redeeming himself - the cases in which the execution of the offender is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically non-existent." Please read the ENTIRE paragraph 2267, as well as the ENTIRE SECTION on Legitimate Defense that the paragraph is in before passing judgement. Clearly the Catechism teaches that there are circumstances in which captial punishment is permissible - BUT - that doesn't mean all Catholics 'have to' endorse the death penatly. It seems to me that your beef is with the Supreme Court; that is to say this is more a LEGAL issue.

Answer 3

UK: We do not have the death penalty here, instead Murderers etc., are sentenced to Life Imprisonment. However, this is interpreted as being average 7 years and many times less. If 'life' meant life I would be happy but it seldom if ever does. I would only advocate the return of the death penalty here for murder or a serious sexual offense on a child under the age of 11. The problem here is that all types of murders are gathered together and show that the death penalty is unfair. I do not, and certainly would not, advocate it for crimes of passion, crimes of attempted suicide when the one causing the death does not profit from the death. Finally, may I offer you my condolences on your loss and may the perpetrator rot in prison for the rest of his life...........

Answer 4

It's not about you. It's about the fact that victims don't have the right to determine the criminal's punishment. It's not about fairness (a child's concept), but Justice (the adult version).

The expectation that society bears the burden for all criminals lives, and must preserve their lives at all costs, is baseless. If a murderer has taken life illegally (the definition of murder is just that), then they have forfitted their own life.

This removes the cost (unless we continue to keep the absurdly expensive and lengthly appeals system some states tolerate, vs. a more abbreviated but complete system) of trying to keep them around for the rest of their days for the sake of making victims feel more 'comfortable' at the expense of the rest of society.

No. Fairness is not the issue. Your daughter is not the issue.

The Law and Justice are the issue that necessitates the death penalty.

To base his punishment on your daughter or on your wishes is to go the same route, make the same mistake, as if you wished him tortured. The entire post could be based on that as well, and make as little sense from a civilized society's viewpoint.

That some prisoners want the death penalty is because they accept their guilt and knew the consequences.

They knew that they could be executed.

They CHOSE that when they murderered someone.

Like telling someone that "if you walk in front of that bus, you are likely to get squashed", and then watching them walk in front of the bus and whine about getting hit.

Kind of silly, really.

They chose the death penalty, and we chose it for them as the best way to make sure that they DON'T come back to do again what they clearly chose knowing they would die, but didn't care.

Personally, I don't want anyone that stupid anywhere near my daughter, even in the same existance.

But fortunately, our system is based on Justice, not my wishes.

Goes both ways.

Answer 5

On the other hand why must I, as a taxpayer, pay taxes in order to keep him alive and well. Some prisoners don't appeal for the simple reason they know they are guilty and must die. If my daughter was murdered, the police had better get the murderer before I do!!

Answer 6

Personally, I do not want my tax dollars to pay for some worthless criminal to stay alive. When it comes to killing children, you don't deserve to live. Some people think that life in prison is WORSE than the death penalty but if you think about it.. The criminal will actually feel exactly what he/she put their victim through. I find it completely fair, sorry if you don't agree.

Answer 7

I think it would be important for your own personal well-being to look past any punishment being implemented for the purpose of revenge. It is very natural, and even a necessary emotion at some points, but in the long run you may find yourself preoccupied with this person who has already taken so much from you. You only give him more power by letting him take more of your strength and energy.

I give you my sincerest condolences for having lost your daughter.

Answer 8

Killing is wrong, and you cannot punish someone with the same way. Either we accept is wrong or not. Plus, killing a killer is not punishment, Punishment is to let them rot in jail.
We also must not forget cases that after the death penalty, new evidence proved the innocence of the punished.

Answer 9

You want him to go to prison to suffer?
Our prisons aren't designed to make them suffer. They have all the comforts of home. Health club, tv, movies, library, FREE medical and dental, no work, free education.....does that sound like suffering to YOU?
Kill the animal that murdered your child. Even if he gets life, he will be out in 10 years. The only person who will be suffering is YOU.

Answer 10

I can understand your point of view, and I think it is a more rational one than that of those who call for the death penalty.

My condolences and sympathy for your terrible loss.