Linus wrote on Aug 3
rd, 2023 at 8:41pm:
Being a moral agent Frank, it would follow that you'd be against the death penalty. Thou shalt not kill is a fundamental moral principle.
And criminals break this fundamental moral principle, THEREBY putting themselves outside the protection of the laws that guard this principle. They put themselves outside he law and morality by their own conscious actions.
Quote:Here is what else I see as being wrong with your argument:
It does not address the issue of whether the death penalty is an effective deterrent to crime. The evidence is lacking here for the death penalty.
The application of the death penalty can be arbitrary and influenced by factors such as race, socio-economic status, and the quality of legal representation. This raises concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the system.
The death penalty is irreversible, and there have been cases where innocent individuals have been wrongfully convicted and executed. This irreversible nature raises serious moral and ethical concerns.
It assumes that the criminal justice system can accurately determine guilt or innocence and fully assess an individual's moral responsibility. However, the system is not infallible, and errors can occur, leading to the execution of potentially innocent people.
It overlooks alternative punishments, such as life imprisonment without parole, that can ensure public safety without resorting to taking a life.
Advocating for retribution and revenge as a form of justice may perpetuate cycles of violence and not contribute to a more compassionate and empathetic society.
I don't accept your stance.
Deterrence is not a moral issue but a utilitarian one. But the death penalty is not about deterrence - it is not about future, not-yet cases - but about actual capital crimes committed.
Retribution is a moral issue and it is fundamental. Just deserts are just that - just. You can't take life and then turn around and claim that nobody ELSE can take life. It is moral cowardice and BS. You took life - what moral code was THAT about??
And why should it not apply to you, if you could apply it to your victim?
Be equal to your crime, do not be a coward.