Mike Cheponis <mac@Wireless.Com> and I have been having a discussion off-list that I thought would make a good thread for discussion.
We welcome all comments on this, please state your reasons as thoroughly as you can.
First of all, by definition, the death penalty is not murder.
Murder: 1) to kill a person unlawfully and with malice. (Websters new world dictionary)
Second,I feel that the death penalty is the appropriate punishment for the unlawful and malicious killing of a fellow human being.
I feel that the death penalty has it's problems however, it is often applied with a racial bias, and when it is decided upon, it takes too long to administer.
I do not feel deterrence is a prerequisite for it's existence, but I feel that if it was applied fairly, equitably, and quickly, it could have a deterrent effect.
Supporting arguments for/against?
Brian
Member, Extropy Institute
www.extropy.org