hfwang18 wrote:
After getting criticized repeatedly for my position on capital punishment, I would just like to ask this question. This is not about the merits of capital punishment outside of fairness- I already know that it's not necessarily a deterrent, and that crime rates depend on societal health more than the status of capital punishment. From a reciprocal perspective, it seems to makes sense and is fair (lex talionis). However, many disagree. What is fair or not fair about it?
If capital punishment for murder or otherwise horrific crime could be administered correctly each and ever time it would be fair (a life for a life). But we know the workings of "justice" is far from perfect. I favor life sentence in a penal colony rather than executing capital death. If one does it incorrectly the error cannot be undone. Whereas if a person is sentenced to life incorrectly, he can be extracted and compensated for time lost and pain/suffering.
ruveyn