The Death Penalty. The most controversial form of punishment itself. It is used as the last resort against the most wicked of criminals when all else has failed. It has been around for a very long time and it has been practised in many global nations, such as some states in the USA, China, and Saudi Arabia. It has also been debated for centuries. However, can the Death Penalty ever be justified? In this article, I will discuss ethical and religious views on the Death Penalty and we shall eventually reach a final conclusion to end this timeless, historical debate, once and for all.

 

On one hand, some people may consider the Death Penalty to be a cruel and heartless act of sin. It has been mentioned before that if the criminal is executed for their violation of the law, the person carrying out the execution is just as evil as the criminal themself as they are taking away a life without being given consent by the criminal. Innocent lives have also been lost in capital punishment.

 

For example, in Buddhism, it is believed that if capital punishment interferes in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (Samsara), it may have devastating effects on the person carrying out the execution as they could receive negative karma for destroying a life.

 

In Christianity, it is said that life is holy and only God has the right to take it away. Jesus also said to his disciples “If someone slaps you on your right cheek, offer them your left” - Luke 6:29. This tells us that Jesus opposed the concept of vengeance and wanted us to forgive our enemies. One of the Ten Commandments is “Thou shall not kill” which states that Christians shall never murder somebody.

 

However, on the other hand, some people may say that the Death Penalty can be justified and has every right to be used on those who deserve it.

 

Some Islamic countries apply the Shariah’ Law, which promotes corporal punishment This law may also promote the rights for Muslim countries to use the Death Penalty for serious crimes, such as murder or adultery.

Old Testament Christians and Jews follow the rule “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” Exodus 21:23–27 which promotes equal justice. They also believe that the law should revolve around this rule too.

 

In my final conclusion, I believe that the Death Penalty is extremely barbaric, inhumane and should be avoided as much as possible. There have been many evil, merciless people throughout history and some even exist today, however, executing somebody just doesn’t feel right to me. Just close your eyes and imagine what it would be like if you committed a horrible crime which you extremely regret and you have been put on the electric chair, ready to be executed. Just think how scary and traumatising this would be for you.