Should Capital Punishment Be Made Legal?
Should Capital Punishment Be Made Legal?
In my opinion, capital punishment should be made legal. There are a number of reasons why I have formed this opinion.
Although some people may argue that Capital Punishment is simply a case of 'an eye for an eye', which most people see as wrong, I don't see this as the case, and think that the information I have included here explains why I think this.
The first is that the death penalty would act as a deterrent to criminals contemplating committing crime. An example of this is in Singapore, where death sentences are carried out, and there is generally far less serious crime than there is here.
Secondly, the friends and family of the victim(s) get retribution. In execution the criminal is made to suffer in proportion to the crime, and is a very 'real' punishment, rather than rehabilitative therapy.
Capital punishment permanently removes the criminal from society. This is much cheaper and safer than life imprisonment, and society is given complete assurance that it is safe from this person.
The cost of keeping people in prison for life is much higher than the cost of executing a prisoner. (Typically, 15 years of imprisonment for an ordinary prisoner costs us £375,000). We also pay for the facilities available to prisoners whilst in prison, such as the facilities available at Parkhurst prison, on the Isle of Wight;
'Within the gymnasium compound we have a large selection of facilities which are available to the prisoners. There is a large multipurpose sports hall to hold activities such as 5-a-side Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Badminton. There is also a Cardiovascular Suite, ...
This is a preview of the whole essay
The cost of keeping people in prison for life is much higher than the cost of executing a prisoner. (Typically, 15 years of imprisonment for an ordinary prisoner costs us £375,000). We also pay for the facilities available to prisoners whilst in prison, such as the facilities available at Parkhurst prison, on the Isle of Wight;
'Within the gymnasium compound we have a large selection of facilities which are available to the prisoners. There is a large multipurpose sports hall to hold activities such as 5-a-side Football, Basketball, Volleyball and Badminton. There is also a Cardiovascular Suite, with running and rowing machines, a Circuit Room and a Fitness Suite where the FiTech Lifestyle Screening takes place.
Besides having facilities for sporting activities, it is said that we have the most advanced I.T classroom within all the gymnasiums in the prison service.
Also held within the sports hall are indoor bowls and presentations to award certificates to those who have successfully completed courses'
With all these facilities available to prisoners, whilst being a luxury for the average working person, it is almost like the prisoner is being rewarded for being in prison. Devoid of all responsibility, the prisoner is living a stress-free life, whilst being given the opportunity to partake in further education courses, and fitness activities, free of charge.
Capital punishment was abolished in Britain in 1964. Between then and 1998, the murder rate more than doubled and there were 71 murders committed by people who were released after serving 'life' sentences. If these people had been executed, none of these murders would have occurred.
Nowadays we often hear of murderers being able to 'get away' with their crime, on the grounds of diminished responsibility or the alleged state of their mental health, or by using devices like 'plea bargaining'. This removes people's faith in justice, which is very dangerous, whereas society's faith in justice would be renewed with Capital Punishment.
Mentally ill and psychopathic criminals, who commit the worst crimes such as murder and serial killing, are the people who are least likely to benefit from imprisonment or institutional care, or, worse, care in the community, and are the most likely to re-offend. Because of this, and because it is unlikely that we will ever find effective treatment for these people, in my opinion the execution of them would be better for everyone (the institution workers and carers, people in the community, and perhaps even the criminal themselves).
Would A Christian Agree With My View?
A Christian would not agree with my view. Christians believe that Capital Punishment is unnecessary, and that the criminal can be absolved of their crime through their repentance, and others forgiveness. In order for this to be true, however, the criminal must be truly sorry, and the forgiveness granted to him must be honest. This may come from the victim's family or friends.
Also, Christians try to follow Jesus' teachings in the Bible, and the New Testament tells them that many of Jesus' teachings can be used in the religious argument against Capital Punishment, such as Matthew 5:38; 'When injured, turn the other cheek', Luke 6:35-37: 'Love your enemy and do not condemn', and the famous parable of the Prodigal Son. All these preachings tell Christians to forgive their enemies.
The Pope, head of the Catholic Church, is against Capital Punishment, and says of it;
'It is both cruel and unnecessary. The new evangelisation calls for followers of Christ who are unconditionally pro-life; who will acclaim, celebrate and serve the Gospel of life in every situation. A sign of hope is the increasing recognition that the dignity of human life must never be taken away, even in the case of someone who has done great evil. Modern society has the means of protecting itself, without definitively denying criminals the chance to reform'
Used information from;
www.cacp.com
(Catholics Against Capital Punishment)
www.hmprisonservice.co.uk
www.anticapitalpunishment.com