The Death Penalty: Justice for All?
The first recorded case where the death penalty was implemented as a form of punishment in the United States was in 1622 for theft (Grabowski 52). The system has come a long way since then, but does it issue justice to all? Theft is no longer considered a crime punishable by death, but who are we to determine what is an even trade for execution? The death penalty has been a topic of debate for a long time. One aspect that had caused much controversy is whether or not those with an IQ that falls under the category of mentally disabled should be executed. Should they be punished for their crime or should it be taken into account that they do not understand that what they did was wrong? This paper will examine the Church's views, Catholic social teaching, and society's opinions on the death penalty. "Undoubtedly, one possessing a normal mind should be held to a full, strict accountability for his conduct, but, should a person with a pronounced subnormal mind be held to the same high degree of accountability?" Commonwealth v. Green, 396 Pa. 137, 151 A.2d 241 (1959). Many members of the judicial system have found it to be un-Constitutional to execute people with mental disa
"2 Texas Inmates, One Said to be Retarded, Executed". Just because we have the technology to kill does not mean that we should. In the church and civil society there is a growingtendency to apply it in a very limited way or to abolish itcompletely. On the other hand, many find IQ to be an unnecessary factor in determining a death sentence. This statement is more in line with the principles of human rights and dignity. When the state kills : the death penalty, a human rights issue. San Diego, CA : Lucent Books, c1999. This statement is in total contradiction to the Church's statements relating to human rights and dignity. It is in support of the death penalty as a form of penal justice and states that it is necessary to keep society safe. Other statements issued by the Church are consistent with their teachings of human rights. By denying anyone their right to live, they are denied respect. The Church had made many statements relating to the death penalty and killing of all kinds.
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