We've had euthanasia and abortion, and the death penalty was brought up in another post so I thought it merited discussion. Sorry to the MODs for starting yet another probably emotive topic.
Personally I think the death penalty is little more than a barbaric throwback, its effectiveness as a deterrent is limiited and if deterring people is not the aim, than the only possible alternative is that it serves is as retribution to victims and families, which is, IMO, a fairly barbaric attitude (an eye for an eye?). I think a culture which condones organised mured is keeping a small part of itself uncivilised. For me its not just the belief that the death penalty as a punishment is wrong, but also the fact that its irreversible, and the fact that u put the person under an incredible amount of stress for an extended period of time.
I come from England and I'm quite glad that we have abolished the death penalty, (Is anyone certain that the caveat, about arson in dockyards and treason, is actually true and not another 'urban legend'? I for one sincerely hope its not true).
NB Please don't misunderstand and think that I believe Britain to be a world leader in civilisation, compared to the laws in some other European countries I think Britain can sometimes be quite backward.
Is there anyone who believes that the death penalty achieves something?
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