Replies to post #3367 on Zeev's Turnips Talk Politics (ZTTP)

[Math Junkie]

So far the deterrent effect of capital punishment seems to be entirely theoretical. I see ethical problems with imposing the ultimate penalty based on what someone thinks the result will be.

Secondly, there is a serious moral issue with imposing an irreversible penalty given the existence of people who are wrongly convicted. My uncle, for example, was convicted of a murder that someone else later confessed to. If he had been executed, there wouldn't have been a thing anyone could have done about it.

[jbennett53]

mlsoft, That's a great idea, we could have public hangings, people in stocks around the gallows while others are being horsewhipped. The State could sell cold beer, miniature gallows, whips and charge admission. This would be a great fund raiser for cash strapped state coffers. Maybe the state could build big stadiums and sell expensive sky boxes for corporate big wigs. We could even have a "glory chute" from the courtroom at the top of the stadium. When the jury says guilty the defendants chair just drops from under him and he slides right down to the gallows. Wow, think of the TV rights, billions.
Sounds like a great idea and I'm going to write my congressman right now.

[webster groves]

<<I do believe in capital punishment (with scriptural backing) and think it should be more prevalent than it now is.>>

There is no scriptural backing for capital punishment in the New Testament. The New Testament gives us the teachings of Jesus Christ. If you do not accept the teachings of Jesus Christ, you do not accept Jesus as the Christ. If you do not accept Jesus, you will go to Hell - you yourself have said this. I am not condeming you, you do it yourself when you deny Jesus.

-wg