Capital

A moral quandry

There are multitudes of concepts regarding the right (or absence thereof) of society to establish a set of do’s and don’t with their accompanying reward for obeisance and punishment upon transgression. After all, human beings were created free, free to roam any where without asking or being asked passports, love anybody they please, unlove them at any time and …..heck, the human creature is so free that when it feels like it, it can even switch itself off!!
However, humankind has by trial and error, evolved into a responsible being, which has learned it is best to put a bridle on itself, lest it fall victim to its darker side’s powerful urges. The first laws were religious edicts and their sundry details. Judeo-Christian faiths adhere to a set of 10 Commandments that pretty much cover the gamut of human transgressions. Among them is “Thou shalt not kill”. Note that there are no conditions attached, like for instance; except when catching your girl in bed with your best friend’ or ‘when somebody drenches your sister with acid’ ….No, ‘Thou shalt not kill’ is pretty much as conclusive as laws can become.
Given that all scripture - the sacred text of all religions, strictly forbids the taking of life, any life, why is it that people kill or commit other grievous crimes, and society, on its part, puts them to death in a contradiction of mortality?
I observe these contradictions from the religious perspective and also in the criminal code. Exploring religious injunctions against the talking of life, common doctrine goes to the premise that ‘thou shalt not kill’ refers exclusively to humans. Where is this inference found in the Bible? Don’t bother to look because as we mentioned above, the sixth – commandment is categorical.
Therefore, for Jews Christians, and Muslims (the three Abrahamic faiths in my environment) the Torah, The Bible and The Holy Koran, respectively, forbid the taking of all life; human, animal and plant. Secondly, it is stated that if one takes the life of another, then the murderer shall be put to death. By whom though? Society of course! Here is an example of how one edict ‘Thou shall not kill’, a negation, has corresponding punishment – its affirmative, ‘Thou shall kill’!
Perhaps at this point it is better that I make clear my lack of firm personal convictions on capital punishment. I straddle the fence! My Judaic core is totally against the taking of life – and as a pacifist by character, violence of any kind repels me. I believe that other people and other life forms are of God and precious each in their own way.
However, my peace loving and sensitive nature which so values life also has to exist in a hostile world environment.What I often ask myself, is a ‘humane’ punishment for example, to mete out to the rapist of a one year old? How can society not take away such a sadistically miserable life….. if only to protect others (itself) from falling victim? Then again it worries me that the sadistic rapist; when hanged, shot or lethally injected, forces us- society, to commit murder……Its a terrible quandry.

Do you think that capital punishment is humane?

The death penalty is a relic of primitive times and is totally inappropriate for the 21st century. Larger society should be of better moral fiber than the relatively few misfits among us who commit heinous crimes. I say the true measure of civilized society is one that does not believe in taking an eye for an eye. We are long past that dark logic.

Haimaniot K.
Teacher

Capital punishment is inhuman only if executions are conducted in a manner that causes the suffering of the convicted criminal. Otherwise, I feel that with proper guidelines and a standard medically certified procedure it is an important element of maintaining law and order by serving as a powerful deterrent.
Fasil S.
Police officer

I have an inexhaustible reserve of trust in the human condition I do not believe that a human being can be incorrigible. People have their dark moments- and may commit terrible injustice on others and upon society in general. However, that instant of rage that led to a murder being committed passes and the criminal will enter a period of remorse and repentance. It may take years – even a life time behind bars, but ultimately, the convict will make peace with him/herself, with society and finally, with their God.

Malik S.
Trader