Trevor
28th June 2008, 02:34 PM
I don't always agree with Brian 100%, but I always appreciate his perspective and more importantly, I like the process he uses to arrive at his conclusions. I would like to hear his take on what is the real deal on the death penalty, including when, if ever, it is wise to use in our or any society.
Personally, I used to have the belief that the death penalty was justified, but only for first degree murder. I have since changed my mind, not because I no longer think it just, but because I now no longer have enough faith in the justice system to dole out such an irrevocable sentence. Mistakes get made, evidence does get falsified, and people do lie. I just don't trust the system enough. Conversely, I think people, especially criminals with life sentences, should have the right to commit suicide.
Regarding the death penalty, there are a lot of issues such as cost-benefit analysis, a measurable "deterrent" factor to potential criminals, and whether reform is possible/feasible.
Personally, I used to have the belief that the death penalty was justified, but only for first degree murder. I have since changed my mind, not because I no longer think it just, but because I now no longer have enough faith in the justice system to dole out such an irrevocable sentence. Mistakes get made, evidence does get falsified, and people do lie. I just don't trust the system enough. Conversely, I think people, especially criminals with life sentences, should have the right to commit suicide.
Regarding the death penalty, there are a lot of issues such as cost-benefit analysis, a measurable "deterrent" factor to potential criminals, and whether reform is possible/feasible.