Debate: Capital punishment

[Blah11]

I have thought about it some more and decided that ... i am FOR capital punishment... I believe when someone commits murder... they forfeit there human rights ... you would put a dog down for biting wouldn't you ? and in my eyes murderers deserve no better treatment then an animal. Also maybe it would deter people from killing... to an extent if you thought that for one second that your life would be forfeit for taking someone elses.. instead you know you will go to jail, play xbox for seven years then come out and have a life! kill someone when you are 18... and then be free before you are 30?!?!? ... free to have a life/family/ etc .. disgusting in my opinion, I am totally in the opinion on an eye for an eye.. maybe its the only way people will learn

But it doesn't work as a deterrent in the American states

Also, in regards to expense, I am of the opinion that it costs more to execute an inmate. They get appeals which cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and every appeal means theyre incarcerated on death row for longer.. we cant take away their right to appeal because new evidence can come into light and the guilty person could be proven innocent.

 

[dani_tinks]

I do not believe in an eye for an eye. If capital punishment was reinforced then this would be an even sadder place to live in. Justice isn't killing evil people, it's putting them away for a very long time.. life should mean life in prison, I agree that the court system and justice system really needs a good sort out. But capital punishment is just completely wrong imo. It is afterall murder too therefore just making the world even more messed up!

 

[Hayley90]

Ok, slightly OT but who has seen those shows on TV about America's toughest jails? THAT is what i think we should have over here. Those guys have no life, no treats, nothing to look forward to. Their cells are tiny, cramped and they are surrounded by gang members, drug dealers and murderers - the gangs are scared. THAT is how a murderer should live, forever. The super-dangerous ones get to stand in a cage for 15 minutes in the sun once a week. Thats his "yard time". Over here? they get to play games, and go on the internet, read books, get qualifications....

I think a "life sentence" has been weakened and watered down, so much so that no one really cares about the consequences anymore - make them fear their punishment, then maybe they will think twice.

Death doesn't solve anything, on either side. Never has & never will - Same could be said for war, but we wont go into that

 

[Blah11]

Oh forgot to add, in america it costs 2.5million to execute a prisoner (includes appeals).

 

[Raven24]

i dont think it could ever work there would be the risk of it being exploited and people who were innocent being killed and in my opinon its just not worth the risk also for some criminals the easy way out would be death maybe it is better that they suffer in jail

 

[buttonnose82]

this topic is actually sending a shiver down my spine, the thought of legally murdering someone

 

[Blah11]

A lot of murderers aren't afraid of death anyway. A lot are in gangs and such and really they dont care if they die or not.

 

[Eala]

I am against capital punishment in general. While sometimes it's tempting to think "some crimes deserve it", that's too simplistic for reality. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, there's a large part of me that would like to say that child abusers should be wiped off the face of the planet, but I do realise that's my emotions taking over

My main issue is that death is *so* final. There is no reprieve. If new technology appears in 20 years time which could have proven a person's innocence, and they are already dead... There's no coming back from that. And one mistake would be one too many.

I do agree with what other people have said here, that jail can be too... cushie. With that said, for a lot of crimes, I think that jail should still attempt to be a rehabilitive (sp?) experience. If through being in jail, someone gets a wake-up call and is *truly* willing to change, they should be given that chance.

I agree that life should mean life. This idea of "Oh well, you've had 15 years inside so off you go" is ridiculous. It should be "You deprived a person of the life they could have had. We will not kill you, but you will live the rest of your natural life in a place where you cannot do it to anyone else." I don't have any figures (and no time at the moment to look it up), but does anyone happen to know the statistics about violent criminals reoffending?

The money aspect is a tough one. I know a few people who (simplistically) favour the death penalty because they object to having to pay (through tax) for people to be kept in jail. However, to me, paying to keep criminals out of our community is a good use of my tax money Which does then bring us back to the argument of "They have too cushie a lifestyle in prison!". As I said, I agree with this. But I'd rather look at reforming the prison system (in fact, the entire justice system!), than apply the death penalty.

Oh, edited to add. I remember there being an article a couple of years back about the death penalty. One argument against it was that it actually increases the likelihood of someone being murdered. If a person knows that they have already committed a crime which will result in a death sentence if they are caught, then at that point they have nothing to lose. They can't be "more" dead, iykwim? So innnocent bystanders, or anyone who gets in the way of them escaping is likely to be killed too.

 

[Blah11]

Also, how did 26 years end up being life anyway? Why is it called life? Is it cos it's an approx generation?

 

[bky]

How do they (and who decides it? is it a jury?) decide when it is appropriate for execution in America? I looked up people on the Texas death row and whilst they were murderers, very few committed out of the ordinary murders A lot of them were found guilty of just plain old shootings (that sounds so cold of me but im sure you know what i mean).

Generally there are aspects of the crime that meet the death penalty criteria. Premeditation, killing in the course of a robbery, killing a police officer etc among other things.
ETA:
I think when the case goes to trial the lawyers can choose to try for the death penalty based on the circumstances, then it's up to the jury to decide if they feel that punishment fits the crime.

I don't know if someone can plead guilty to a crime and get the death penalty. I kind of doubt it, which is too bad IMO as that's when I'd be more ok with it.

 

[Blah11]

I dunno why killing whilst robbing someone would be any different to killing someone but not robbing them Makes no sense to me. I don't think police officers should be protected anymore than the average joe although I do understand why they are as they come into contact with dangerous people far more often.

 

[Blue_bumpkin]

I am from the line of thought that justice is done when the punishment passed fits the crime.

I cant think of any punishment for murder that 'fits the crime' other than 'an eye for an eye'? Unless the justice system was completely overhauled anyway. There would obviously need to be very strict guidelines to ensure no miscarriages of justice, because that of course would be the main fear people would have with CP.

 

[Drazic<3]

I don't agree with capital punishment. I must admit, it is one of those issues which in certain horror cases, you can't help but think 'that bast*rd deserves to die' but ultimately, I am against it. Fundamentally, it just feels wrong in my heart. To kill, doesn't bring back someone, or stop an event. Once a crime has been committed, the world is changed irreparably, and killing anyone, will only damage it moreso.

Plus, there is the simple but coherent political fact that it simply doesn't work. It costs millions (as blah said) to execute a single prisoner - it is not budget saving, or cheaper as many of the arguments in the UK with prison costs suggest - in fact, many death row prisoners die in prison long before their date for execution. There is also no evidence whatsoever of a reduction in violent crime, or CP acting as a deterrent in American states where it exists. So, what else is it but revenge?

I say that, but know with the same primal, animalistic instinct that if anyone hurt my loved ones, I would tear them apart with my bare hands. But then, that is why we don't make the rules and laws, and why we are protected from them I guess. It's a very, very, difficult one.

 

[lozzy21]

I dont agree with it.

Its called the justice system for a reason. It should be about justice and punshment not revenge.

The one deffinite thing in life is that you die. So how is bringing something foward that is going to happen anyway a punishment?

 

[rubixcyoob.]

Ok, slightly OT but who has seen those shows on TV about America's toughest jails? THAT is what i think we should have over here. Those guys have no life, no treats, nothing to look forward to. Their cells are tiny, cramped and they are surrounded by gang members, drug dealers and murderers - the gangs are scared. THAT is how a murderer should live, forever. The super-dangerous ones get to stand in a cage for 15 minutes in the sun once a week. Thats his "yard time". Over here? they get to play games, and go on the internet, read books, get qualifications....

I think a "life sentence" has been weakened and watered down, so much so that no one really cares about the consequences anymore - make them fear their punishment, then maybe they will think twice.

Death doesn't solve anything, on either side. Never has & never will - Same could be said for war, but we wont go into that

I am totally for what you are saying here. My old swim coach worked in Barlinnie (sp?) prison near Glasgow. They actually had OPEN DAYS and let schools in to talk to prisoners and walk around, and the prison was really nice, comfy beds, tv's with sky and freeview etc. This was the same with Perth prison as well. My ex was there on remand (he was emotionally and physically abusive to me and I was naive and 15 years old) and he was allowed to wear his own clothes and a top that said HMP Perth. He said there was good showers, private toilets in the cells, a gym, games to play outside etc. It was like a feaking holiday camp! Even in the visiting room there was vending machines where the inmates could ask someone to get them crisps, juice, coffee, tea etc. all which they could take back with them :S

I definately think our prisons should be more like the ones on that TV show.

 

[Aidan's Mummy]

Ok, slightly OT but who has seen those shows on TV about America's toughest jails? THAT is what i think we should have over here. Those guys have no life, no treats, nothing to look forward to. Their cells are tiny, cramped and they are surrounded by gang members, drug dealers and murderers - the gangs are scared. THAT is how a murderer should live, forever. The super-dangerous ones get to stand in a cage for 15 minutes in the sun once a week. Thats his "yard time". Over here? they get to play games, and go on the internet, read books, get qualifications....

I think a "life sentence" has been weakened and watered down, so much so that no one really cares about the consequences anymore - make them fear their punishment, then maybe they will think twice.

Death doesn't solve anything, on either side. Never has & never will - Same could be said for war, but we wont go into that

I am totally for what you are saying here. My old swim coach worked in Barlinnie (sp?) prison near Glasgow. They actually had OPEN DAYS and let schools in to talk to prisoners and walk around, and the prison was really nice, comfy beds, tv's with sky and freeview etc. This was the same with Perth prison as well. My ex was there on remand (he was emotionally and physically abusive to me and I was naive and 15 years old) and he was allowed to wear his own clothes and a top that said HMP Perth. He said there was good showers, private toilets in the cells, a gym, games to play outside etc. It was like a feaking holiday camp! Even in the visiting room there was vending machines where the inmates could ask someone to get them crisps, juice, coffee, tea etc. all which they could take back with them :S

I definately think our prisons should be more like the ones on that TV show.

That is what I hate. They should just have the bare essentials nothing else.

https://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/beds/bucks/herts/4486541.stm

This is what my sisters brother (I used to say my step brother) did. He only had to serve 11 years, he has got something like 4 years left. Yet he was given life and for what he did. Even though he is related to me, I think he should rot in jail yet he has all these creature comforts and he could be considered for parol soon. It makes my blood boil
xx

 

[Dream.A.Dream]

I haven't read this whole thing, but for anyone really interested in this watch the film "The Life of David Gale", just be warned it will make you cry xx

 

[Hayley90]

Ok, slightly OT but who has seen those shows on TV about America's toughest jails? THAT is what i think we should have over here. Those guys have no life, no treats, nothing to look forward to. Their cells are tiny, cramped and they are surrounded by gang members, drug dealers and murderers - the gangs are scared. THAT is how a murderer should live, forever. The super-dangerous ones get to stand in a cage for 15 minutes in the sun once a week. Thats his "yard time". Over here? they get to play games, and go on the internet, read books, get qualifications....

I think a "life sentence" has been weakened and watered down, so much so that no one really cares about the consequences anymore - make them fear their punishment, then maybe they will think twice.

Death doesn't solve anything, on either side. Never has & never will - Same could be said for war, but we wont go into that

I am totally for what you are saying here. My old swim coach worked in Barlinnie (sp?) prison near Glasgow. They actually had OPEN DAYS and let schools in to talk to prisoners and walk around, and the prison was really nice, comfy beds, tv's with sky and freeview etc. This was the same with Perth prison as well. My ex was there on remand (he was emotionally and physically abusive to me and I was naive and 15 years old) and he was allowed to wear his own clothes and a top that said HMP Perth. He said there was good showers, private toilets in the cells, a gym, games to play outside etc. It was like a feaking holiday camp! Even in the visiting room there was vending machines where the inmates could ask someone to get them crisps, juice, coffee, tea etc. all which they could take back with them :S

I definately think our prisons should be more like the ones on that TV show.

thats not acceptable. They have a better quality of life than some decent people who abide by the law!

I know they obviously cant let rats and roaches run around (now THAT would be good) but making it a little uncomfortable for them might just serve them right. No way should they have treats like vending machines and their own clothes Prison should mean punishment, they should be humiliated to have to live there. Ashamed and embarrassed. Not reclining on a sofa, sipping a coke while people out in the real world cant even afford basic necessitites

 

[AppleBlossom]

I used to think that the best thing for murderers and rapists was for them to just be gotten rid of. I since changed my mind. I would much rather they had to suffer in prison for the rest of their lives. Like Ian Huntley for example. He has been subject of attack many times for what he did. I would much rather that than having him take the "easy way out" I'm all for human rights but in my eyes, if you can kill/rape anyone then you should be stripped of them just like they stripped their victims of theirs. But an eye for an eye is practically letting them off. I think prisons need to have a stricter system. No playstations etc. And the British Justice system is in need of some serious re-thinking. You can get more time in prison for pirating a film than you can for GBH. If someone murders somebody and they are given life it should be life. Not "We'll say life but if you're good we'll let you out in 20 years"

 

[trumpetbum]

I disagree with capital punishment. I don't agree that it is in the public's best interests to allow govt sanctioned killing. Capital punishment has shown no value as a deterrant and therefore it's overall value to the public is limited to that of simple vengeance. It has in the countries that it has been implemented been shown to be not without prejudice with minority ethnic groups, the poor and the vulnerable over represented in the numbers of those who are sentenced to death. It costs no less due to the process of appeal in a civilised country with any kind of remotely fair legal system. Legal systems are also fallible, there are very few cases which are proved without a shadow of doubt and the death penalty is irreversible. For all of these reasons I personally believe that Capital punishment should remain a distant memory. I do however believe that the punitive system needs a serious overhaul to ensure realistic punishments for serious offenders, rehabilitation where appropriate and possible and alternative punishments/rehabilitive measures for petty offenders.