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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2009 18:18:59 GMT
I know it's an emotive subject but the execution of the "Washington Sniper" inevitably brings out the same old arguments for and against the death penalty. The opinion of the mainstream media appears to be that the majority of brits support the reintroduction of capital punishment but I'm not convinced so I thought I'd just canvass opinion.
So....the death penalty....for or against ?
FA x
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Post by Dr Bill on Nov 11, 2009 19:03:20 GMT
Definitely against. Miscarriages of justice are by no means unknown, and there is no going back from execution.
Besides I doubt if there is any reliable evidence that the death penalty is an effective deterrent to murder.
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Post by Jasmine on Nov 11, 2009 19:24:22 GMT
This is a hard one. When you hear emotive stories like the short, sad life of Baby P it makes you doubt the system we have but as Dr Bill says there is no going back from execution and miscarriages of justice.
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2009 19:57:16 GMT
I tried looking up some facts on the death penalty but there are far more "anti" sites than "pro" and all seem to only give their viewpoint, not a balanced and reasoned debate.
I am cautiously in favour of it, depending on the circumstances. I certainly don't think there should be a mandatory death sentence for anyone convicted of murder, for example. I do however, think that in some circumstances, where the crime is particularly heinous and there is no doubt whatsoever that the person convicted of it is guilty then I think that we should have the option.
I also think that a "life" sentence should mean just that. Life. But that's another debate for another time ;D
FA x
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Post by Auricula on Nov 11, 2009 23:39:14 GMT
On balance,I am not in favour of the Death Penalty. There is no proof that it lowers the incidence of crime; it could be seen as an easy way out in some cases ( Ian Brady has been arguing for years to be allowed to die) but the overwhelming reason is the fear of miscarriages of justice - you can't bring the dead back and say sorry.
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Post by Spruance on Nov 12, 2009 1:33:14 GMT
As a matter of personal principle I am against the death penalty since I do not feel that it is right for the state to be complicit in taking the life of an individual, in terms of a penalty for a crime, whatever the circumstances.
Not only that but the possibility that even one innocent person could forfeit his or her life due to procedural or evidential errors must surely justify that this penalty be stricken from the statute book.
I appreciate that others might hold a different view, and I respect that, but this is my own personal opinion.
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Post by snowowl on Nov 12, 2009 15:15:49 GMT
FOR ......
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Post by Ladygardener on Nov 12, 2009 17:18:14 GMT
Against, on the grounds that nobody can guarantee that there are no miscarriages of justice.
I do believe that life imprisonment should mean the rest of your life if you've murdered someone.
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Post by Barbara on Nov 13, 2009 8:28:19 GMT
The problem is that very few do serve life, and when you hear and read how much it costs to keep a prisoner inside well, maybe we should hang the lot of 'em.
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Post by Missredhead on Nov 13, 2009 9:54:39 GMT
I am cautiously in favour of it, depending on the circumstances. I certainly don't think there should be a mandatory death sentence for anyone convicted of murder, for example. I do however, think that in some circumstances, where the crime is particularly heinous and there is no doubt whatsoever that the person convicted of it is guilty then I think that we should have the option. I also think that a "life" sentence should mean just that. Life. But that's another debate for another time ;D FA x I agree with this too... The problem is that very few do serve life, and when you hear and read how much it costs to keep a prisoner inside well, maybe we should hang the lot of 'em. You have a point there Barbara i221.photobucket.com/albums/dd161/GWDAdmin1/Smilies/Default/wink.gif |
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Post by Dutchy on Nov 13, 2009 18:48:18 GMT
But a bit rigorous. And you make the executioner guilty of taking a life. Errors in judgment if only one innocent is executed that is one too many and as we are but human I am against and am glad that we don't have it in the Netherlands. p.s. Belgian prisons are so filled up they now rent space in Dutch prisons and you know the Dutch and making money  |
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