Virtue of cherishing life
the death penalty is commonly referred to as the legal practice of taking a human life in response to a crime committed by the convicted person. It is a difficult and emotional topic though widely practiced in many countries. But whether any government is justified in carrying out the process is unfathomable. I sometimes feel that the death penalty is an ideal penalty only to be used to tackle serious crimes like murder, rape, child molestation, abduction and kidnapping. Certainly, there are some instances where I feel that the death penalty should not be applied. But why do I have this second thought if I have a list of crimes I feel deserve the death penalty as a solution? This is why.
I was brought up in a Christian community where I was taught to be non-judgmental, leave God to judge human behavior, and obey God’s commandments, one of which states that human beings should not kill each other, only God has the authority to take human life under any circumstance. In this regard, I disagree with the death penalty as it is an unusual practice that compromises Christianity and the basic ethical standards of human behavior.
In my opinion, it’s a form of revenge. Like most civilians, I am pained when I see or hear of people being succumbed to killing, rape, molestation, abduction, kidnapping and other brutal offences.
But, while I am still at it, questions pop up in my head. Does giving someone the death sentence serve as an effective deterrent for brutal crimes? Taking retribution for their crime on behalf of the victim? What if the criminal wanted to die but never had the courage to commit suicide? Will this make them fully pay for their crimes? I guess not really. In my opinion, a criminal should face punishment for their crime while they are still alive. Life imprisonment serves criminals better than the death penalty.
What if the criminal wanted to die but never had the courage to commit suicide? Will this make them fully pay for their crimes? I guess not really. In my opinion, a criminal should face punishment for their crime while they are still alive.