I have slowly changed my stance on this issue over the past several years. Once a staunch supporter of the death penalty today I would vote to abolish it for many of the reasons you cited. It is not a deterrent to crime, it costs more to house and accommodate death row inmates and is simply incompatible with the values of a civilized society. I’ve come to this conclusion thoughtfully, prayerfully and civility debating with friends. Thanks for writing this article. I still challenge myself to reconsider but you have affirmed many of my convictions. Thanks Hancen.
Israel does not have the death penalty. Yaya Sinwar, the mastermind of October 7, was not given a death penalty initially. Hitler and Napoleon were not given the death penalty. Recidivism is real. The death penalty may not deter others, but it is certainly effective in preventing a second crime performance
Recidivism is indeed real—but the conclusion doesn’t follow. Life without parole already fully prevents repeat offenses; thus, the death penalty doesn’t solve a safety problem the justice system can’t already address, as permanent incarceration prevents a second crime just as effectively. The death penalty, on the other hand, adds nothing but irreversible risk, the potential for unequal application, and state-sanctioned violence where it isn’t necessary.
While the examples you provide are thought provoking, I do not think they are relevant to the broader debate: the death penalty vs. life without parole. Israel voluntarily released Yaya Sinwar as part of a prisoner exchange, Hilter died by suicide before being captured, and Napolean was exiled, not imprisoned, by the Europeans. Neither of the three faced actual life imprisonment as it is commonly understood.
Notwithstanding, the aforementioned are prominent political figures who persisted, if they did at all, by virtue of their societal status. In my view, the more important question is the death penalty vs. life without parole among the common man.
Recidivism is real. Disturbingly real. We have to do more to prepare these men and women for life outside of incarceration. They need eduction. They need a skill to work. But they need a mentor/support group to walk with them when they are free more than anything. Any obstacle is a setback that may just be too difficult to overcome without the help of others. We have to see these folks as God’s people. Let’s care for them. Support them. In hopes that they too may have a life and positively contribute to our society.
I have slowly changed my stance on this issue over the past several years. Once a staunch supporter of the death penalty today I would vote to abolish it for many of the reasons you cited. It is not a deterrent to crime, it costs more to house and accommodate death row inmates and is simply incompatible with the values of a civilized society. I’ve come to this conclusion thoughtfully, prayerfully and civility debating with friends. Thanks for writing this article. I still challenge myself to reconsider but you have affirmed many of my convictions. Thanks Hancen.
Israel does not have the death penalty. Yaya Sinwar, the mastermind of October 7, was not given a death penalty initially. Hitler and Napoleon were not given the death penalty. Recidivism is real. The death penalty may not deter others, but it is certainly effective in preventing a second crime performance
Recidivism is indeed real—but the conclusion doesn’t follow. Life without parole already fully prevents repeat offenses; thus, the death penalty doesn’t solve a safety problem the justice system can’t already address, as permanent incarceration prevents a second crime just as effectively. The death penalty, on the other hand, adds nothing but irreversible risk, the potential for unequal application, and state-sanctioned violence where it isn’t necessary.
While the examples you provide are thought provoking, I do not think they are relevant to the broader debate: the death penalty vs. life without parole. Israel voluntarily released Yaya Sinwar as part of a prisoner exchange, Hilter died by suicide before being captured, and Napolean was exiled, not imprisoned, by the Europeans. Neither of the three faced actual life imprisonment as it is commonly understood.
Notwithstanding, the aforementioned are prominent political figures who persisted, if they did at all, by virtue of their societal status. In my view, the more important question is the death penalty vs. life without parole among the common man.
Recidivism is real. Disturbingly real. We have to do more to prepare these men and women for life outside of incarceration. They need eduction. They need a skill to work. But they need a mentor/support group to walk with them when they are free more than anything. Any obstacle is a setback that may just be too difficult to overcome without the help of others. We have to see these folks as God’s people. Let’s care for them. Support them. In hopes that they too may have a life and positively contribute to our society.
Nothing may be as permanent as a temporary government program, many times a permanent life sentence is a temporary incarceration