Is the point of the punitive system to punish or to better society?

Question

I would say, as I'm sure most would, that it is to better society. Bearing this in mind, why is the death penalty a favorable option? I've heard it costs so much money with all the procedures and such that it costs less to feed and take care of them for life. I don't believe the death penalty discourages the occurence of crime, as most people who commit such crimes as muder are usually beyond such a level of reasoning. Any varying from this I don't feel are enough to outweigh the cons of the death penalty- extra costs (Correct me if I'm wrong), the arguable human rights debate, etc. What is your response to this in favor of capital punishment?

Answer 1

In the US, I think our punitive system is set up to punish, not to better society. Our prisons are filled with violence, where the evil prevail over the weaker, gangs rule, rape flourishes, and non-violent prisoners are mixed with violent. Aids is rampant. There is little done to rehabilitate or prepare prisoners for society. And we have more people in prison than nearly any other country in the world, over 2 million.

As far as the death penalty goes, killing people to stop them from killing people is ridiculous. If the death penalty was applied even vaguely fairly in this country, it'd be different, but it is not. The majority of people on death row are poor people, who had public defenders. How many rich people are on death row?

Answer 2

The only way I could see favoring death penalty is if the person is a player in a known terrorist organization. The only reason why I would advocate killing those people is because you have seen many times, thier group will use their release as leverage--release our guy and we'll halt our hijackings, etc...if you take the person out of the equation completely, he ceases to pose that same threat.

Otherwise, I do not see the value in it, as it does cost more, it does not reduce the rate of crime, and it does demean our society in general. You can keep someone locked up for the remainder of their lives without ever letting them out and without having to bear the expense of repeated trials, etc. If someone warrants the death penalty, I don't want to spend 1 extra cent on that person than is absolutely necessary.

Answer 3

By definition, "punitive" means to punish.

Which is why many states changed the name to the Department of Corrections, to reflect the goals of rehabilitation.

I believe the death penalty should be optional, at the choice of the convicted felon. Option one, solitary confinement with no luxuries and no visitors. Option two, death. You can appeal the conviction (as normal) but you cannot appeal the death sentence.