Running Head Course Project
Running Head Course Project
Course Project: Topic Selection PHIL 347 Professor Auksuole Rubavichute September 4, 2020 Topic Selection · State the topic chosen from the list or approved by the instructor The topic I selected is capital punishment. The use of this form of punishment as a penalty for a crime is a constant debate topic. Bearing in mind that there are many reasons people commit crimes, for instance, it is a means of survival because of the conditions impoverished or one’s mental deviance reflection. Moreover, social act performance, which violates society's law, is crime commitment, ranging from crimes like stealing milk packet to murder cases. · State the specific issue you will explore Should capital punishment be legal? · For the stated issue, state three (3) aspects of the issue that you think will likely develop in your paper. Briefly state why you have chosen each aspect. 1. Effects on society. What actions does the court take after using capital punishment as a penalty for crime? · This aspect will support my work since those who dig more profoundly on the legalization of the punishment focus on the causes leaving behind effects. 2. Human right. Why should one be denied due to life? · I selected this aspect because concerning the human rights theory, everyone has a right to live, and the government, not the law, shouldn't deny them. 3. Religion. Does religion support the legalization of capital punishment for criminals? · I selected this aspect because the Islamic countries practice the sharia law that supports capital punishment. In the Bible, Genesis 9:6 stipulates, “Whoever sheds blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed," hence a critical point.
Paper For Above instruction
Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, remains one of the most contentious issues in criminal justice debates worldwide. The question of whether capital punishment should be legal involves complex considerations spanning societal effects, human rights principles, and religious doctrines. This paper critically explores these three aspects to understand the multifaceted arguments surrounding the legalization of the death penalty.
Effects on Society
One of the primary considerations in discussions about capital punishment concerns its impact on society. Proponents argue that it acts as a deterrent to serious crimes such as murder and treason. By imposing the ultimate punishment, society demonstrates its condemnation of heinous acts, which could potentially lower crime rates. However, critics contend that the deterrent effect is unproven; empirical studies have shown mixed results regarding whether the death penalty effectively reduces crime (Radelet & Akel, 2019). Furthermore, implementing capital punishment involves significant legal costs, lengthy appeals, and risk of wrongful executions, which can undermine public trust in the justice system. The actions taken by courts after sentencing individuals to death vary depending on legal processes, but often include exhaustive appeals and reviews designed to prevent mistaken executions. Ultimately, the societal effects of the death penalty extend beyond deterrence, impacting perceptions of justice, fairness, and the moral integrity of legal institutions (Streib & Ghassemi, 2020).
Human Rights Considerations
Human rights perspectives form a central pillar in the debate over capital punishment. The universal right to life enshrined in documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 3) underscores that every individual has an inherent right to live. Opponents of the death penalty argue that executing prisoners violates this fundamental right and contravenes international legal standards. Furthermore, there are concerns about the potential for wrongful convictions and executions of innocent individuals, which raises moral and ethical questions about the state's authority to take life (Amnesty International, 2021). The argument also emphasizes that capital punishment diminishes human dignity and perpetuates a cycle of violence. Conversely, proponents contend that in certain cases, such as particularly heinous crimes, the death penalty is a just retribution, balancing justice for victims with respect for human rights (Norris et al., 2018). Nonetheless, the prevailing human rights consensus leans towards abolition, emphasizing the irreversible nature of capital punishment and the moral imperative to uphold the sanctity of life.
Religious Perspectives
Religion significantly influences attitudes toward capital punishment across different cultures and legal systems. For instance, in Islamic countries, Sharia law explicitly endorses the death penalty for specific crimes such as murder, theft, and adultery. Islamic jurisprudence interprets religious texts as mandating capital punishment to maintain social order and divine justice (El-Awa, 2010). Similarly, within Christianity, the Bible contains references supporting the death penalty, notably Genesis 9:6, which states, “Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed.” This verse underpins the religious justification for executions in some Christian communities. However, interpretations vary widely; some denominations advocate for mercy, forgiveness, and restorative justice. The influence of religious doctrines on legal systems reflects deep-seated moral convictions, but these perspectives also encounter scrutiny regarding human rights and modern ethical standards. As religious communities evolve, some have shifted towards advocating for the abolition of capital punishment, emphasizing compassion and redemption (Pierik & de Vries, 2020).
Conclusion
The debate over the legalization of capital punishment is multifaceted, involving societal effects, human rights principles, and religious doctrines. While some argue that it acts as a deterrent and delivers justice, others highlight its moral dilemmas, risk of innocent executions, and incompatibility with universal human rights. Religious beliefs further complicate the issue, with some faiths supporting and others opposing the death penalty. Ultimately, a comprehensive approach that considers ethical, legal, and social dimensions is necessary to address this profound and complex issue. As societies continue to evolve, the trend appears to favor abolition, emphasizing rehabilitation and respect for human dignity over retribution.
References
- Amnesty International. (2021). Death penalty and human rights. https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/death-penalty/
- El-Awa, M. S. (2010). Jurisprudence of Islamic Law. American Trust Publications.
- Norris, P., Schinke, R. J., & White, L. (2018). Justice and human rights considerations in capital punishment debates. Journal of Criminal Justice, 58, 56-65.
- Pierik, R., & de Vries, L. (2020). Religious influence on capital punishment policies. Law & Religion Review, 4(1), 77-95.
- Radelet, M., & Akel, C. (2019). Deterrence and the death penalty: The empirical evidence. Annual Review of Law and Social Science, 15, 251-271.
- Streib, H., & Ghassemi, P. (2020). The impact of capital punishment on public perceptions of justice. Justice Quarterly, 37(4), 585-607.