Capital Punishment

[Sakke]

One thing you have to take into account, is what causes the murderer to murder someone.

In affect-related killings (which I believe is a large part of all killings) the killer will not have time nor capacity to think "what will happen to me afterwards". This is why the punishment plays little role on how hard you hit your cheating wife/husband (or whoever).

The punishment for the crime might, however, influence a delayed reaction (a planned killing).

Note: I'm not saying that either is okay. But I do believe a planned killing should be punished more severely than a reaction (depending on what caused the reaction).


I can understand Magyk's point about prisons looking like retirement homes. This is indeed a problem, but only for those who go in and out again and again.

What really works is education. Those, in Denmark, who go to prison and take a degree, get out of prison a better man, and is much less likely to go back. Those who do not, have an increased risk of going back to prison, compared to the general population.

[Ramshi]

But I do believe a planned killing should be punished more severely than a reaction

That's what I think too. But what about psychopaths? Sure, they plan their killings, but is their mental capacity taken into account?

I can understand Magyk's point about prisons looking like retirement homes. This is indeed a problem, but only for those who go in and out again and again.

That too. In fact, I remember a news article about a guy who for his last meal before death ordered about a couple hundred dollars worth of food. He didn't eat any of it. Now the you order what you want least meal thing is gone. Good.

[aradorasxeon]

Ramshi you got some strange homework(?)

I don't think death as a punishment would make any difference, some crazy guy may be more willing to kill, but I agree in that it's ridiculous they live like rich people. I heard of a prison which was that comfortable the prisoners had a library, an IT room with net connections (I am not sure of this), every room had a TV etc.

[Ramshi]

I came across an article on a news website about a 218kg man having his death sentence delayed because he was too fat. Lots of people commented on the article with interesting views about the death penalty in general and I wanted to see what you guys said.

[Turquoise Dragon]

In terms of prison, I think we should yews the British system from the 1600s? 1700s? Dunno the exact date anymore. Anyhow, the day consisted of work - repeatative work that got harder and harder as the day wore on, and had no point. Now, someone could argue that you could duse the work to allow them to be productive in society. Very true, but pointless work robs them the satisfaction of feeling they've accomplished something. They worked their asses off and have done nothing. Also prison was a dismal place to be at the time - small limited rations, dim, and no creture comforts.

Again, more of my 2 cents. What're we up to now? 6 cents?

[aradorasxeon]

Heh In Hungarian history there was a time when you were killed if you stole bigger thing than a chicken. I don't really know how this comes here, just mentioned it.

Wan't the 1700s the time when Britains sent prisoners to Australia. Hmm Maybe one of Ramshi's ancestor was a prisoner? Who knows.

I think prisoners should do some work without payment, and it would be great to the economy.

[CHEW]

The british invented corrections. I say hang them all, you can reuse the rope.

[Magyk]

In affect-related killings (which I believe is a large part of all killings) the killer will not have time nor capacity to think "what will happen to me afterwards". This is why the punishment plays little role on how hard you hit your cheating wife/husband (or whoever).

The punishment for the crime might, however, influence a delayed reaction (a planned killing).

Note: I'm not saying that either is okay. But I do believe a planned killing should be punished more severely than a reaction (depending on what caused the reaction).

At least in the US, this is why we have our court system and the "degrees" of murder. (I don't know how the court system/murder laws work in other countries.) First Degree murder being premeditated, second degree a murder that is not planned in advanced (A situation where say, you kill someone during a bar fight), voluntary manslaughter being a murder which was committed under such circumstances that would "cause a reasonable person to become emotionally or mentally disturbed." And involuntary manslaughter, ie: you hit a guy with your car, while you're drunk driving. Totally accidental, even though you caused it.

I think for first degree murder it should be an immediate walk to the electric chair. The other ones are a bit harder to get to the root of - but then again, that's why have trials and "innocent until proven guilty" and all that jazz.

[Caesar]

Well isn't his ironic. Following 9/11 I was required to write a paper on capital punishment with a brief opinion on the justification of the current war in the Middle East. Real quick how many of you actually believe we should STILL, what ten years later, be in the Middle East. Personally I believe that following the assassination we should have withdrawn from the area and called it a day.

Capital punishment really, almost depends on the way you view the world. If your view is an eye for an eye than you will side with the state. If you view the world through a religious or strict constituional perspective than you will oppose. Realistically the ammount of people given the death penalty and the ammount of people who actually receive it are completely diferent numbers. Typically people will just continually re-appeal to a higher court. The "death penalty" almost becomes an empty threat. So to answer your question I do believe in the concept of capital punishment. If someone just killed their neighbor then I believe their Writ of Habeas Corpus should be suspended and their punishment should, in return be death.

Just a side thought on a related matter. The whole, "once you have been found innocent you can't be brought before a court again even if there is conclusive evidense that now convicts you," thing is really ill-thought out. I mean aren't we supposed to bring about justice. How can we do this if we let convicts just walk off scott free because they were found innocent once. Yea I realize there are measures that are taken against this, but its still happens.

[CHEW]

I don't even know where to begin with that Caesar....... It was really close to an intelligent thought but you fell short.