Ethics Paper Assign - capital punishment PDF

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Kathryn-Grace Harvey 19 Apr 2013 PHIL 110P 9-9:50am Topic #4

Capital punishment is the practice of executing someone as punishment for a specific crime after a proper legal trial. It is used in many countries around the world. It is usually only used as punishment for particularly serious types of murder. However, in some countries treason, types of fraud, adultery, and rape are capital crimes. China executes the most people per year overall, which is 1,718 people in 2008. In that same year, Iran executed at least 346 people, the United States executed 111 people, Saudi Arabia executed 102 people, and Pakistan executed 36 people. There is now an increase in support to abolish capital punishment. In 2002, Rome created The World Coalition against the Death Penalty. Also, October 10, 2006 was World Day against the Death Penalty. There are many arguments in favor of capital punishment. The first argument is retribution. Basically, the argument states that each criminal should get what his or her crime deserves and in case of a murderer what their crime deserves is death. An argument against retribution is the anticipatory suffering of the criminal, who may be kept on death row for many years, makes the punishment more severe than just depriving the criminal of life. This is true in the United States, but some countries execute people within a few days of sentencing them to death. Deterrence is an argument in favor of capital punishment. From this argument, it is saying that executing convicted murderers, we will

deter would-be murderers from killing people. Deterrence is most effective if the punishment happens soon after the crime. Some people who support capital punishment argue that capital punishment is beneficial even if it has no deterrent effect. Rehabilitation is also an argument in favor of capital punishment. Capital punishment does not rehabilitate the prisoner and return them to society. However, there are many examples of people condemned to death by taking the opportunity of the time before execution to repent, express remorse, and experience profound spiritual rehabilitation. Another argument in favor of capital punishment is prevention of re-offending. Those who are executed cannot commit further crimes. Capital punishment can provide closure and vindication. This can be a flimsy argument because every family reacts differently. Capital punishment could also be an incentive to help police. In some countries, pleabargaining is used to help reduce the sentence of the criminal in exchange for providing help to the police. From the Japanese argument, Japan executes three prisoners per year. The argument goes that the death penalty reinforces the belief that bad things happen to those who deserve it. There are many arguments for people who are against capital punishment. For example, the value of human life and the right to live are arguments against capital punishment. Everyone thinks that human life is valuable. Also, everyone has an inalienable human right to life, even those who commit murder. The most common argument against capital punishment is that innocent people will get killed because of mistakes in the justice system. Many people believe that retribution is morally flawed. Another reason why people are against capital punishment is because it brutalizes society. The death penalty leads to a brutalization of society and an increase in murder rate.

Individuals could become angered and thus more likely to commit murder. Also, in the United Sates capital punishment is very expensive. In other countries with a less costly and lengthy procedure, capital punishment seems like a cheaper option than long-term imprisonment. Some people may describe capital punishment as cruel, inhumane, and degrading.1 From chapter nine, I will use the ethical theory of Kantian’s deontology. Kant’s formulation of his categorical imperative is conceptually revolutionary. One of Kant’s previous moral theories had tended to focus on the content of moral action. For example, “Thou shalt not kill” is a content of moral action. If that were the case, then Kant would be against capital punishment. From Kant’s perspective, suicide is morally wrong. If suicide is morally wrong, then killing is morally wrong. Also, one of his principles “do not let innocent persons be harmed if you can prevent it” would be another reason why he is against capital punishment.2 If I had to choose between against or in favor of capital punishment, I would be in favor of capital punishment. I believe that each criminal should get what his or her crime deserves. I agree with the argument of prevention of re-offending. Those who are executed cannot commit further crimes and that could be a closure for some victims’

1 "Ethics Guide: Capital Punishment." BBC News. BBC, 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. .

2 Chaffee, John. "Chapter 9." The Philosopher's Way. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2013. 493-506. Print.

families. Even though the death penalty is expensive, justice cannot be thought of in financial terms. The death penalty should only be used in rare cases.

Works Cited "Ethics Guide: Capital Punishment." BBC News. BBC, 2013. Web. 18 Apr. 2013. .

Chaffee, John. "Chapter 9." The Philosopher's Way. 4th ed. Upper Saddle River: Pearson Education, 2013. 493-506. Print....