The Death Penalty

Question 1

Outline three methods of capital punishment. (3)

Answer 1

• One method is lethal injection.
• A second method is the electric chair.
• A third method is hanging.

Question 2

Outline three purposes of capital punishment. (3)

Answer 2

• One purpose is that it deters people from committing murder.
• A second purpose is that it protects society from dangerous people.
• A third purpose is that it acts as retribution for those who’ve taken a life.

Question 3

SOWAA Against capital punishment.

Answer 3

‘Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death.’

Question 4

Explain two reasons why Jews can use capital punishment. (4)

Answer 4

• One reason is because it can only be used as a last resort with severe restrictions. This means that the murderer has been warned of the consequences of their actions.
• A second reason is because the Torah allows capital punishment for certain offences. This means it can be used to protect society.

Question 5

Explain two reasons why Jews can’t use capital punishment. (5)

Answer 5

• One reason is because the Mishneh says that ‘a Sanhedrin that executes once in seven years is called murderous.’ This means that Jewish courts shouldn’t use capital punishment.
• A second reason is because there is a possibility of the wrong person being convicted. This means that capital punishment is not justice and the Tenakh commands Jews to ‘seek justice, correct oppression.’

Question 6

Explain two non-religious attitudes supporting the death penalty. (4)

Answer 6

• One attitude is that murderers and terrorists are a great threat to society. This means that executing them will bring about the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people.
• A second attitude is that if people know the punishment can be death penalty they won’t commit the crime. This is because it acts as a deterrence and reduces crimes.

Question 7

Explain two non-religious attitudes against the death penalty. (4)

Answer 7

• One attitude is that no court system can be sure that the correct verdict is given. This means that innocent people could possibly be executed.
• A second attitude is that terrorists who are executed are occasionally hailed as martyrs. This encourages more of their followers to become terrorists too.