CAPITAL PUNISHMENT OR THE DEATH PENALTY

by Dr. Lawrence Wilson

The purpose of this short article is to discuss whether the death penalty is a good idea for incorrigible criminals. These days some do not like the idea of capital punishment, which is the same as the death penalty. However, what the death penalty does is:

1. Puts more pressure on some criminals to reform themselves.

2. Saves the government and the people tremendous amounts of money maintaining prisons and prisoners.

3. Gives the soul of the person a chance to sort of start over fresh.

WHO SHOULD GET THE DEATH PENALTY?

Only those who are incorrigible, after all methods of rehabilitation have been tried. These are the people for whom it is good, and none others.

We know it is vague to call a person incorrigible, and for this one must depend on the judgment of the attorneys, physicians of the patient, and perhaps others such as close family members. So it is always a judgment call.

WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS WITH THE DEATH PENALTY?

The worst problem is if the accused is really not responsible for the crime and has been falsely accused and indicted. This is a serious problem, so the death penalty should be used only when guilt is clear to avoid harming an innocent soul.

IS THE DEATH PENALTY BIBLICAL?

Yes, the death penalty was used in previous times for certain crimes such as rape, adultery and murder in cold blood. It was even used as punishment for crimes such as stealing if the crime was particularly hurtful to many others.

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