Capital Punishment Flashcards
What is the definition of Capital Punishment
The practice of executing someone because they have committed a serious crime, as decided by the state
Why do we punish?
To protect society-civilised society deserves to feel protected
Deterrence-To prevent reoffending and to stop others committing the same crime
Vindication-Upholding the law, rules are respected and no chaos/anarchy
Chance of reform-Change a criminals habits and ways.
Reparation-Pay for damage caused.
REVENGE-Getting your own back and out working justice (NOT CHRISTIAN)
Reasons FOR Capital Punishment
Revenge-Family/Victim can get their own back “eye for an eye”
Unable to reform-crime is so heinous/abhorant
To deter others and promote a safe society-out working vindication
Finances/taxes used to house criminals-they don’t deserve luxuries
Reasons AGAINST Capital Punishment
Does not give criminal a chance to reform
Hypocritical-Killing someone who has killed someone is NOT the marker of a civilised society
Miscarriage of justice-a wrongful death cannot be undone
Pressure on employee to “flick the switch”-on their conscience indefinitely
Definition of Restorative Justice
The problem solving approach to justice
There must be willingness to participate from both the victim and the criminal. As well as a mediator who would facilitate the meeting
RJ cannot happen if there is NO community or when the crime is of a sexual nature
RJ targets younger criminals in the hope of preventing reoffending
What does the CHRISTIAN CHURCH say about Capital Punishment
Old Testament-Has rigid absolute rules, evidence of the death penalty especially as an act of retribution (revenge) “an eye for an eye”
New Testament-Jesus models forgiveness. He does not advocate revenge and instead exemplifies a life of forgiveness. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do”
Lord’s Prayer-“forgive those who trespass against us
