Death = Suitable punishment?
I just read the breaking news headline on BBC.co.uk “Court bans death for child rape”.
Now I realise that this isn’t the nicest of topics to be discussing on this blog, but unfortunately it is something that exists. The question as to whether the punishment should fit the crime has always been debated by world leaders, politicians and society in general and it is something of a Catch 22 situation.
For instance, if you are the family of a victim, do you want justice or vengeance? Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between the two and it can also be hard to separate the heart and mind from each other as well.
A crime such is this is a horrible act; there can be no doubt about that. It is crazy to think that a human being can be alive in society that is capable of such an act, but unfortunately there are such human beings. It is easier to say then to do, but in my opinion they should be helped and not sentenced to death.
I don’t see what justice can be gained from sentencing a man to death for this. We beg forgiveness for our crimes and sins, for every minute of every day and ask our maker for absolution. Whether those that ask, really deserve it is another thing, but all the death penalty does is bring intelligence down another level to that of the people who commit these acts in the first place.
While I can say this in an impartial state, I am not sure what my reaction would be if it were my son or daughter or relative; on either side, because it must be harrowing for the attacker’s family to believe he/she is capable of such an act and also for the family of the victim.
Thankfully in today’s vote, the U.S. Supreme Court voted 5-4 in favour of striking down the Louisiana law.
“The death penalty is not a proportional punishment for the rape of a child,” wrote Justice Anthony Kennedy in his majority opinion.
Should anything be proportional punishment for the death penalty?
Wednesday, June 25th, 2008 and is filed under Thoughts & Questions, Views on News.
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mary Says:
This one is really difficult one where God alone can judge
What kind of evil is in the rapists mind
How would I feel if I were the mother of the child
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:28 pm
Brian Says:
True death is not an option but to let such a beast of with the normal sentence usually six years turned to two and with an appeal they would be out in one. And for that we are at fault to do nothing to such a person the law should be punished. There is a solution basic but fair we all know how a dangerous bull is made in to a bullock and that is to get rid of his testicales (well the use of them). Quite pain full but there is a drug that has the same results i beleve this should be used. No testosterone = less likely to do the crime again
July 13th, 2008 at 1:28 pm