| Feature Article – February 2007 |
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At the close of 2006, the world was exposed to the execution of Saddam Hussein. Once more the arguments concerning Capital Punishment, both for and against, are being voiced. This time, the debate is not only within countries, but among countries, around the world, with civil, philosophical and religious contributions.
What is the purpose of the corrections system? No one would dispute that we need to protect society from criminals, but why do some countries execute criminals and others not? Today, we hear a lot about longer minimum sentences, no parole for repeat offenders, and victims not getting enough justice. Sentences are not long or harsh enough. The root of the word ‘penitentiary’ is ‘penitence’. Criminals were incarcerated so they could think about and repent of their sins. Ideally, prisons provide opportunities of education, counselling and growth for inmates, so that they might return to society as useful citizens.
With these thoughts in mind, we ought to examine the arguments supporting a worldwide ban on Capital Punishment that has been proposed by the Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi. Prodi commented that “no crime can justify one person killing another.” Even the Church of England has gotten into the fray, with the Bishop of Lichfield commenting in the Church Times that “Human justice cannot absolutely sure. We never know for certain what is going on inside a criminal’s mind; verdicts have to balance probabilities.” The Archbishop of Canterbury comments: “The death penalty effectively says there is no room for change or repentance.”
Why am I opposed to Capital Punishment? First, can we ever be sure that all those accused are guilty? It would be a heinous act to put an innocent person to death. Persons are not always responsible through illness, mental or otherwise, and other factors, for the acts they commit.
Second, all methods of execution are cruel. They do not always produce immediate painless death. While the aim of more modern forms of execution is to make it swift and painless, methods used are not perfect, sometimes taking as long as 45 minutes for the accused to die.
Third, the death penalty is not a deterrent. One often hears the argument that the death penalty deters others from doing the same. On the contrary, once you have been found guilty and sentenced to death, it does not matter how many more people you kill trying to escape, you can only die once. It has been noted that at the time of executions, the incidence of capital crime increases – not exactly the desired effect. Most murders are crimes of passion or impulse, not premeditation. The death penalty does not play a role in such crimes.
Execution in the case of crimes that involve mental illness, passion – acts of impulse are particularly unjust, as the criminal is not fully responsible for their action. A reformed criminal is preferable to an executed one. It is interesting to note that countries with Capital Punishment have a higher murder rate than those without.
Fourth, execution satisfies the desire for revenge. That is not the purpose of the justice system. We want to help those who have gotten off the track, as it were, to become useful, productive members of society. Execution is an admission that society has failed. Commenting on the oft-quoted Old Testament injunction, the Rt. Rev’d. Alan Read, the late bishop of Ontario, writing in the Ontario Churchman says: “Holy Scripture does not support the death penalty. The old law of an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth was meant as a limit to punishment.” Recently at an Amish School in Pennsylvania five young girls were murdered. One of Amish leaders was asked about forgiving. He replied “We must forgive or God will not forgive us.” The families invited the wife of the murderer to attend the funeral, and greive with them. On the cross , Jesus said “Father forgive . . .” the two murderers beside him.
Fifth, execution puts the emphasis on retributive rather than restorative justice. It does not accomplish anything, save ridding society of an individual it does not want to restore to wholeness of life. Even though Jesus would die as a result of an unjust act (tomes have been written on that issue), he refused, when asked, to be involved in Capital Punishment. An act of love and justice!? The Bible teaches forgiveness, not revenge. As Christian, we believe that Jesus Christ died to redeem all persons. Can society, with a good conscience, put to death any person for whom Christ has died?
What does Capital Punishment accomplish – nothing, other than making middle class people feel safe. Some years ago I came across the following saying, which influenced my thinking profoundly: “Why kill people who kill people to show that killing people is wrong?” Think about that one for a moment. Those who support Capital Punishment are using the very same tool they oppose.
My hope is that what I have written will help all of us think about a difficult, contentious issue, to see the light of the gospel which proclaims forgiveness and justice as well as responsibility for all persons.