What are the ethical and moral views both traditional and modern on the death penalty?

Answer 1

I don't like a murderer any more than the next guy, however, I don't agree with capitol punishment either. Why? Why KILL someone for the sake of another's life? Hypocricy! No killing means NO KILLING at any time. Gah!~ people... don't you know you have become MORE EVOLVED and Christlike when you STOP THE KILLING NO MATTER WHAT???

Answer 2

The dialogue on the death penalty has shifted. Although ethical and moral views are at the heart of it, practical issues are taking center stage. To find out about the views of different religions, today, you ought to take a look at
http://www.religioustolerance.org/execute.htm (with views on both sides of the issue) and at http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org/article.php?did=2249#state
with more comprehensive information on present day and traditional moral and ethical aspects.

People are using what they now know about the practical facts to reflect on its moral dimension. Here is some of what they are learning - the sources are listed below.

The death penalty risks executing innocent people (124 already exonerated) and DNA is available in less than 10% of all homicides. It is not a guarantee against the execution of innocent people. It is human nature to make mistakes.

No reputable study has shown the death penalty to be a deterrent. In fact, homicide rates are higher in states with the death penalty.

Life without parole is now on the books in 48 states. It means what it says. Supermax prisons are terrible places to spend the rest of your life.

The death penalty can be very hard on families of murder victims. Many murder victim family members across the country argue that the drawn- out death penalty process is painful for them and that life without parole is an appropriate alternative.

Several murder victim family members who supported the death penalty asked the New Jersey Death Penalty Commission to replace the death penalty with life without parole. They testified that death sentences caused them more pain due to the endless appeals and constant press coverage. The commission found that abolishing the death penalty was in the interest of murder victim family members

The death penalty does not apply to the worst of the worst. It applies to defendants with the worst lawyers.

Answer 3

ethical+moral=same thing.

you mean, pragmatic vs idealistic?

traditional=eye4aneye+atooth4tooth.

modern=it doesn't work. It is not a deterrent. Our system of law/justice comes down hard on poor, minority (read black) folk who cannot afford good legal help. Most civilized countries do not have a death penalty. Many people have been wrongly executed. Since DNA testing, many men on death row have been freed. Almost all of them black.

conclusion=life in prison without parole is the way to go. In the case of a heinous crime with witnesses and no doubt---NO DOUBT of the guilt of the defendant, the death penalty is appropriate. but it costs so darn much to push a death penalty through the legal system that it is cheaper in our society to give them life without parole. But if there is NO DOUBT---I favor the death penalty. that covers maybe one in twenty death penalty cases.

Answer 4

Capital punishment is revenge.

Capital punishment in 39 US states does not stop killing from happening. Even with the death penalty, people who want to kill will still find a way. The law exists as means to inflict revenge on people for disobeying social rules.

REvenge has existed through time. Revenge is also a choice that anyone can make or avoid. "Terrorists" took revenge on the US. The US took revenge on the "terrorists". On and on it goes. One act of revenge leading to the next.

If killing is wrong then all killing is wrong.

Answer 5

God condoned killing offenders in the Old Testament.He also commanded perverts to be killed.This kept their genes from passing on.
If we abolish the death penalty,where are we going to keep all the crazies & perverts who will keep committing crimes?
Jesus taught us to love & forgive,but He also said to obey the laws of your land.
I do not believe Jesus would condemn us for protecting decent scociety from ppl who cannot or will not change their evil ways.
We must also condemn those wicked ppl who falsely accuse & condemn the innocent also.
There are many innocents in prison.Common sense would take care of most of this problem!

Answer 6

Murder is murder, no matter how you justify it. As a "shooting", capital punishment or in war. Life is precious.

My fiancee was murdered 6 years ago on Monday. I have never wished death on his killer. I do wish he could have been a productive member of society. I do wish him a better life next time around.