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Should we use the 'Death Penalty' for serious crimes?

I'm not 100% sure, but I think theres been studies showing that the death penalty is more expensive than life imprisonment, and that theres no evidence proving its a deterrent. In my mind one of the main aims of punishment for crime should be to deter others from commiting offences. Therefore if the death penalty doesnt do that, and still costs more, then its a poor idea.

That and you've got the question of whether the state should be able to kill its own citizens, whether you kill someone who may later be proven innocent, whether those who change whilst in prison deserve death, whether 'a life for a life' has a place in modern society amongst others.

Reply 21

RainbowDrops

No, but we seriously need harsher sentances in tougher prisons.

Reply 22

Sarawrr

12

nolongerhearthemusic

Why is it wrong to kill as a punishment but perfectly acceptable to make someone's life hell?

It's a long shot but if a prisoner were to change and prove that they were no longer a threat to society then they could do that. With the death penalty there's no chance of change whatsoever and is such a final solution to a problem that it seems wrong.

Reply 23

adamrules247

20

Yes for people sentenced for full life in prison for murder and people sentenced for 30 years for murder.

Also for treason and terrorism. The cost of keeping someone in priosn for 30 years on 1998 figures was £728,130
I says its far cheaper to pay the hangman.

Reply 24

User237126

15

nolongerhearthemusic

Why is it wrong to kill as a punishment but perfectly acceptable to make someone's life hell?

I do believe prisons should be made harsher though. Not "oh my god I want to die" type harsh, but you know, maybe not giving the prisoners TVs and especially no internet access would make them regret committing crimes. Prison should be boring and used for a purpose- to educate the prisoner, not to make their lives hell or to give them a hotel room to live in for 10 years.

Reply 25

EffieFlowers

3

nolongerhearthemusic

Why is it wrong to kill as a punishment but perfectly acceptable to make someone's life hell?

Because a life is a life.

Reply 26

Snookercraze

12

No. I think imprisonment that is not relaxed and luxourious is a more severe punishment than death. Surely death is better than facing 25 years in prison? Prisons need to become harsher.

Reply 27

nolongerhearthemusic

13

Bobo1234

I do believe prisons should be made harsher though. Not "oh my god I want to die" type harsh, but you know, maybe not giving the prisoners TVs and especially no internet access would make them regret committing crimes. Prison should be boring and used for a purpose- to educate the prisoner, not to make their lives hell or to give them a hotel room to live in for 10 years.

TV is an easy way to give them something to do. If you're going to lock people up for years you need to provide them with things to make sure they don't go genuinely mad with boredom. You can't even do that to animals.

EffieFlowers

Because a life is a life.

I don't know what you mean by this.

Reply 28

Antonia87

14

Lol. Why are people banging on saying "No we shouldn't kill them, you cant ever justify murder" blah blah ******* blah - but then go on to list others forms of punishment that could be considered just as barbaric, if not more?

I dont get it.

Reply 29

lordbonney

1

adamrules247

Yes for people sentenced for full life in prison for murder and people sentenced for 30 years for murder.

Also for treason and terrorism. The cost of keeping someone in priosn for 30 years on 1998 figures was £728,130
I says its far cheaper to pay the hangman.

You forgot the bills to keep them in prison whilst the appeals are going on, the defense lawyers bills, the prosecution lawyers bils, the judges whose time is being taken up, and then factor in the court time that is being used by death penalty appeals and not for other crimes, meaning we'll need new courts. As has been said by a few people its cheaper to lock them up for life.

Reply 30

Charzhino

19

I think it should be used in extreme cases, such as serial murder being proved beyond doubt, or when the killer admits murder/manslaughter.

Reply 31

Tefhel

12

I think it is acceptable in certain cases such as aggravated murder and treason.

I also think that prisons should be made tougher, so that they are less like a stay at Butlins with your own TV, internet, shopping trips and comfy bed, and therefore the focus can be put on retribution and as a result they will act as more of a deterrent.

Reply 32

Aeolus

2

35mm_

It does seem, however, that you don't want "The State" involved in anything.

This is pretty much true. In my view the role of the state is only to protect the individual rights of it's citizens. But im still in two minds as to if we even need a state for that.

Reply 33

Aeolus

2

adamrules247

Yes for people sentenced for full life in prison for murder and people sentenced for 30 years for murder.

Also for treason and terrorism. The cost of keeping someone in priosn for 30 years on 1998 figures was £728,130
I says its far cheaper to pay the hangman.

Well if it is a matter of cost why are you in favour of the death penalty. Rehabilitation of the criminal followed by a return to society would return more money and labour than was spent on him.

Reply 34

nolongerhearthemusic

13

Antonia87

Lol. Why are people banging on saying "No we shouldn't kill them, you cant ever justify murder" blah blah ******* blah - but then go on to list others forms of punishment that could be considered just as barbaric, if not more?

I dont get it.

Me either, it's bizarre.

Reply 35

adamrules247

20

lordbonney

You forgot the bills to keep them in prison whilst the appeals are going on, the defense lawyers bills, the prosecution lawyers bils, the judges whose time is being taken up, and then factor in the court time that is being used by death penalty appeals and not for other crimes, meaning we'll need new courts. As has been said by a few people its cheaper to lock them up for life.

Okay, lets say a 21 year old murders someone enough to get a full life sentence. He could spend the next 50 or 60 years in the slammer.

For 60 years to keep him it would cost £1,456,260. Plus as old age creeps in you have additional costs. PLUS these were only the 1998 figures, the cost has most likely increased. Also it requires one of the two courts the crim which to appeal to, to agree to hear the case. They don't agree: no appeal. You could also put reasonable restrictions on appeal for death sentences, for example only allowing an appeal on the conviction rather than the sentence.

Reply 36

headunderwater

15

Tefhel

treason.

Oh dear. Why?

Reply 37

Bax-man

2

Antonia87

Lol. Why are people banging on saying "No we shouldn't kill them, you cant ever justify murder" blah blah ******* blah - but then go on to list others forms of punishment that could be considered just as barbaric, if not more?

I dont get it.

Because, funnily enough, there are other ways of of dealing with criminals. A system focused on reparation rather than revenge is far more preferable to the current system.

Reply 38

Linton45

babygotmilkyaaahhh

yes! 100% there are some things that cant be forgiven

Who gets to decide what constitutes those unforgivable 'things'?

Reply 39

Teaddict

17

adamrules247

Okay, lets say a 21 year old murders someone enough to get a full life sentence. He could spend the next 50 or 60 years in the slammer.

For 60 years to keep him it would cost £1,456,260. Plus as old age creeps in you have additional costs. PLUS these were only the 1998 figures, the cost has most likely increased. Also it requires one of the two courts the crim which to appeal to, to agree to hear the case. They don't agree: no appeal. You could also put reasonable restrictions on appeal for death sentences, for example only allowing an appeal on the conviction rather than the sentence.

http://www.deathpenaltyinfo.org

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Should we use the 'Death Penalty' for serious crimes?

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