Capital Punishment and it’s Place in a Democracy




Capital punishment is something that has encouraged debate for years, even as it has become less and less prominent within democratic society. Many liberal and forward thinking nations have abolished it entirely from their judicial process, whereas many states within the US themselves no longer support execution as a consequence of criminal conduct. Though it is a diminishing concept, its existence still draws strong and divided opinions, especially as to whether it has any place at all in a civilized society.

The Dangers of Capital Punishment

Despite the increasing redundancy of capital punishment, there are those who still campaign for its place in the contemporary world, and cite the perpetual rise of violent crime and anti-social behavior as a basis for their arguments. Not only this, but it is promoted in some quarters as a resolution to overcrowded prisons and correctional facilities, especially as a method of dealing with criminals who may be beyond rehabilitation. The supporters of capital punishment make a clear distinction between those who are civilized and those who are not in a democratic society, and see execution as a way of protecting law abiding citizens.

These arguments are hard to dispute on certain levels, as capital punishment certainly would have a physical effect on reducing the criminal fraternity’s number, while also making a concise statement that the safety of well meaning citizens is above all else in society. However, there is far more dispute to be had on an ideological and factual level, especially in terms of the attitude it cultivates within society and its effectiveness as a deterrent of crime. Above, these raise serious concerns as to the place of capital punishment within a democracy.

Firstly, a concept as extreme as capital punishment can have a gradual and divisive effect on society, and does much to darken the waters surrounding crime, punishment and retribution. In short, it sends an undefined signal to citizens as to what is acceptable in society, and teaches that a life for a life is suitable punishment in certain instances of murder. While law has specific points of order however, the human conscience is entirely unique to each individual, who may interpret the suitability of capital punishment to a crime through their own perception and seek out personal retribution.

Beyond Reasonable Doubt?

Another issue with capital punishment is its finite and unswerving nature, which sits at odds with the liberal and fairly considered principles of democracy. For example, if an individual is sentenced to life imprisonment for a crime he his subsequently exonerated of, then his sentence can be quashed before he is pardoned and returned to society. However, in a state or rule where capital punishment is supported, an individual’s sentence is irreversible regardless of any latterly proven innocence. This means that innocent and mistreated parties will pay the ultimate price for another’s crime, even in an age of such advanced science and technology.

A famous quote once opined that ‘it is better that 10 guilty men walk free than an innocent man hang’, and this assertion is at the foundation of any dialogue concerning capital punishment. In a democratic environment, it can surely not be prudent for innocent individuals to die for a crime they did not commit, but we must accept this is inevitable within any region that employs capital punishment. If we consider that any judicial system may be vulnerable to miscarriages of justice, regardless of the stringent policies it adopts, then it is logical that execution will claim the life of innocent individuals.

Although all individuals are afforded a fair and even handed trial, and the evolution of forensic science is making unfair incarceration increasing rare, human nature and error dictates that wrong imprisonment will remain an omni-present factor in judicial law. Even the structure of democratic justice is not set up to fully support capital punishment, either through the process of a jury of peers or the presiding concept of reasonable doubt. Given the definitive nature of capital punishment, surely a reasonable or even a seemingly unreasonable doubt should be enough to spare an individual from its ordeal.

Opposing Democratic Rule

If we consider these facts, then the values and reasoning of capital punishment are clearly opposed to those of democracy. This does not mean that they are entirely undemocratic, but more that their final consequence far outweighs their original purpose. Indeed, if capital punishment is used as an aid to protect citizens, then history tells us that it is more likely to create a gradual decline in moral values rather than deter potential criminals from their deeds. Elizabethan England was a key example, where an over utilized death penalty served to devalue morality and also frayed the core of social fabric throughout Britain in the 1600’s.

With all of these things in mind, it is very difficult to support the existence of capital punishment in any fair minded and democratic nation, especially where errors and legal anomalies are a small but significant part of the judicial process. While laws in democratic systems are scarcely straightforward or concise in their wording and purpose, capital punishment is exactly the opposite and therefore more suited to a forthright and almost totalitarian method of rule. This is a contrast which makes capital punishment ultimately unsuited to democracy, regardless of its perceived benefits in resolving steeping crime and violence.


Also Shop


154 thoughts on “<span>Capital Punishment and it’s Place in a Democracy</span>”

  1. KKLA Sports Apparel Co., Inc was established in 2000 in ZeJiang, China. Now it has 12 branch companies around China. We are a worldwide wholesaler of Sports Apparel (Soccer Jersey,Basketball Jersey,Football Jersey,baseball Jersey,Icehockey Jersey). Our company consists of design, develop, produce, sale and service. Now we have more than 6 professional factories for our own products. Professional QC for professional products and service.You can mix NHL NBA Jerseysdifferent styles and sizes. And there is no mini order for you, Lowest price and Best service. Let’s be friends and business partner. Don’t hesitate to contact with us if you need anytime. We can supply those all NFL MLB NHL NBA Soccer Teams,such as NFL Teams: Arizona Cardinals Jersey , Cleveland Browns Jersey, Green Bay Packers Jersey, Jacksonville Jaguars Jersey , Minnesota Vikings Jersey , Oakland Raiders Jerse, San Diego Chargers Jersey, St. Louis Rams Jersey,Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey ,NHL Teams : Buffalo Sabres Jersey , Chicago Blackhawks Jersey , Dallas Stars Jersey , Los Angeles Kings Jersey ,Minnesota Wild Jersey ,New York Islanders Jersey , Phoenix Coyotes Jersey , St Louis Blues Jersey , Vancouver Canucks Jersey , NBA Teams: Charlotte Bobcats Jersey , Golden State Warriors Jersey ,Los Angeles Clippers Jersey , New Jersey Nets Jersey ,New York Knicks Jersey , Portland Trail Blazers Jersey , Utah Jazz Jersey, Michael Jordan Jerseys Jersey ,MLB Teams: Atlanta Braves Jersey ,Chicago Cubs Jersey , Florida Marlins Jersey , Minesota Twins Jersey, New York Yankees Jersey ,Pittsburgh Pirates Jersey ,San Francisco Giants Jersey , Washington Nationals Jersey,Soccer Teams: Barcelona Jersey , Juventus Jersey , Marseilles Jersey , 2011-2012 National Jersey , Holland Jersey , Portugal Jersey and so on

  2. KKLA Sports Apparel Co., Inc was established in 2000 in ZeJiang, China. Now it has 12 branch companies around China. We are a worldwide wholesaler of Sports Apparel (Football Jersey,Soccer Jersey,baseball Jersey,Basketball Jersey,Icehockey Jersey). Our company consists of design, develop, produce, sale and service. Now we have more than 6 professional factories for our own products. Professional QC for professional products and service.You can mix NFL MLB NHL NBA Jerseysdifferent styles and sizes. And there is no mini order for you, Lowest price and Best service. Let’s be friends and business partner. Don’t hesitate to contact with us if you need anytime. We can supply those all NFL MLB NHL NBA Soccer Teams,such as NFL Teams: Arizona Cardinals Jersey , Chicago Bears Jersey , Detroit Lions Jersey , Kansas City Chiefs Jersey,Miami Dolphins Jersey , New York Giants Jersey ,Philadelphia Eagles Jersey , St. Louis Rams Jersey, Tennessee Titans Jersey ,NHL Teams :Anaheim Ducks Jersey , Chicago Blackhawks Jersey , Dallas Stars Jersey , Florida Panthers Jersey , Nashville Predators Jersey , New York Rangers Jersey , Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey ,Quebec Nordiques Jersey , Vancouver Canucks Jersey , NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls Jersey, Denver Nuggets Jersey ,Los Angeles Clippers Jersey ,Minnesota Timberwolves Jersey , Orlando Magic Jersey, Phoenix Suns Jersey , Utah Jazz Jersey,Washington Wizards Jersey ,MLB Teams:Arizona Diamondbacks Jersey , Cincinnati Reds Jersey , Florida Marlins Jersey , Minesota Twins Jersey,New York Mets Jersey , San Diego Padres Jersey,San Francisco Giants Jersey ,Tampa Bay Rays Jersey ,Soccer Teams: Chelsea Jersey, Juventus Jersey ,Lyon Jersey , Others Club Teams Jersey ,England Jersey , Portugal Jersey and so on

  3. KKLA Sports Apparel Co., Inc was established in 2000 in ZeJiang, China. Now it has 12 branch companies around China. We are a worldwide wholesaler of Sports Apparel (Football Jersey,Soccer Jersey,baseball Jersey,Basketball Jersey,Icehockey Jersey). Our company consists of design, develop, produce, sale and service. Now we have more than 6 professional factories for our own products. Professional QC for professional products and service.You can mix MLB NFL NBA NHL Jerseysdifferent styles and sizes. And there is no mini order for you, Lowest price and Best service. Let’s be friends and business partner. Don’t hesitate to contact with us if you need anytime. We can supply those all NFL MLB NHL NBA Soccer Teams,such as NFL Teams: Buffalo Bills Jersey ,Carolina Panthers Jersey , Detroit Lions Jersey , Indianapolis Colts Jersey ,Miami Dolphins Jersey , New York Giants Jersey , San Diego Chargers Jersey, St. Louis Rams Jersey,Tampa Bay Buccaneers Jersey ,NHL Teams :Anaheim Ducks Jersey , Colorado Avalanche Jersey , Detroit Red Wings Jersey , Los Angeles Kings Jersey , New Jersey Devils Jersey , New York Jets Jersey , Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey , San Jose Sharks Jersey , Vancouver Canucks Jersey , NBA Teams: Boston Celtics Jersey ,Cleveland Cavaliers Jersey , Memphis Grizzlies Jersey , New Orleans Hornets Jersey, Oklahoma City Thunder Jersey ,Philadelphia 76ers Jersey , Seattle Sonics Jersey , Kobe Bryant Jerseys Jersey ,MLB Teams: Atlanta Braves Jersey , Cincinnati Reds Jersey , Kansas Royals Jersey, Los Angeles Dodgers Jersey , Oakland Athletics Jersey ,Pittsburgh Pirates Jersey , Seattle Mariners Jersey ,Tampa Bay Rays Jersey ,Soccer Teams: AC Milan Jersey , Juventus Jersey ,Lyon Jersey , Chile Jersey, Germany Jersey , Portugal Jersey and so on

  4. KKLA Sports Apparel Co., Inc was established in 2000 in ZeJiang, China. Now it has 12 branch companies around China. We are a worldwide wholesaler of Sports Apparel (Soccer Jersey,baseball Jersey,Basketball Jersey,Football Jersey,Icehockey Jersey). Our company consists of design, develop, produce, sale and service. Now we have more than 6 professional factories for our own products. Professional QC for professional products and service.You can mix MLB NFL NBA NHL Jerseysdifferent styles and sizes. And there is no mini order for you, Lowest price and Best service. Let’s be friends and business partner. Don’t hesitate to contact with us if you need anytime. We can supply those all NFL MLB NHL NBA Soccer Teams,such as NFL Teams: Buffalo Bills Jersey ,Carolina Panthers Jersey , Denver Broncos Jersey , Indianapolis Colts Jersey , New England Patriots Jersey, Oakland Raiders Jerse, San Diego Chargers Jersey, Seattle Seahawks Jersey , Tennessee Titans Jersey ,NHL Teams : Buffalo Sabres Jersey ,Calgary Flames Jersey ,Columbus Blue Jackets Jersey , Florida Panthers Jersey ,Minnesota Wild Jersey ,New York Islanders Jersey , Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey , St Louis Blues Jersey , Washington Capitals Jersey, NBA Teams: Chicago Bulls Jersey, Detroit Pistons Jersey ,Los Angeles Clippers Jersey , New Orleans Hornets Jersey, Orlando Magic Jersey, Portland Trail Blazers Jersey ,San Antonio Spurs Jersey , Michael Jordan Jerseys Jersey ,MLB Teams: Atlanta Braves Jersey , Colorado Rockies Jersey , Kansas Royals Jersey, Milwaukee Brewers Jersey , Philadelphia Phillies Jersey, San Diego Padres Jersey, St.Louis Cardinals Jersey , Toronto Blue Jays Jersey ,Soccer Teams: Barcelona Jersey ,Bayern Munich Jersey , Marseilles Jersey ,Red Bull Jersey ,England Jersey ,Mexico Jersey and so on

  5. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to do it for you? Plz answer back as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to find out where u got this from. thanks

  6. Hiya! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest writing a blog article or vice-versa? My blog addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you might be interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Excellent blog by the way!

  7. For example, during the ceremony the Bride can double up the length, turning the necklace into a double strand, Massage San Diego, Mary Greeley Medical Center, Free Virtual Makeover, Briarwood Dollar Movies, Oak Tree Pictures, Historia Puerto Rico, Jesus Paid It All, George C Marshall, President James Buchanan, Nissan De Mexico, Pbr World Finals, Video Format Converter, Purple Haze Lyrics, Ps3 For Sale, Lego Games Online, Flat Income Tax, Hamptons Real Estate, Kamen Rider Dragon Knight, Five Star Ford, Florida Bar Exam, Skid Steer Bobcat, Country Inn Suites, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Cross Tattoo Gallery, Hg Wells Biography, Christopher Michael Barrios, John Deere Garden Tractor, American Standard Air Conditioner, Jessica Parker Sarah, Guitar Hero 3 Wii Cheats, Presidio Networked Solutions, Chase Credit Card Home, Sky Caddie Gps, Map Ta Phut Thailand, B H Audio, Lucy In The Sky Lyrics, Cool Websites For Kids, Ohio University Baseball, Common Law Marriages, Cloud Of Witnesses, Sql Server 2008 Express, Lower Limb Amputation, Tennessee Cabins Rentals, Polo Ralph Lauren Boots, Cheap Greyhound Bus Tickets, Unique Wedding Ideas, Central Florida Weather, First Night Worcester, Indian Steel Industry, Lean On Me Lyrics, Interstate Rest Areas, Presidential Approval Rating, The White Stripes Lyrics, 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan, Personal Budget Spreadsheet, Caisse D Epargne,

  8. I’m not sure exactly why but this website is loading extremely slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I’ll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

  9. The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.

  10. I want to express my gratitude for your kind-heartedness in support of individuals who really need help on the subject. Your real dedication to passing the message all-around came to be exceptionally informative and have usually allowed guys and women much like me to achieve their ambitions. This interesting recommendations entails a whole lot a person like me and still more to my mates. Many thanks; from each one of us.

  11. Do you mind if I quote a few of your articles as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors would genuinely benefit from some of the information you present here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Many thanks!

  12. KKLA Sports Apparel Co., Inc was established in 2000 in ZeJiang, China. Now it has 12 branch companies around China. We are a worldwide wholesaler of Sports Apparel (Soccer Jersey,Football Jersey,baseball Jersey,Basketball Jersey,Icehockey Jersey). Our company consists of design, develop, produce, sale and service. Now we have more than 6 professional factories for our own products. Professional QC for professional products and service.You can mix MLB NFL NBA NHL Jerseysdifferent styles and sizes. And there is no mini order for you, Lowest price and Best service. Let’s be friends and business partner. Don’t hesitate to contact with us if you need anytime. We can supply those all NFL MLB NHL NBA Soccer Teams,such as NFL Teams: Arizona Cardinals Jersey , Cleveland Browns Jersey, Denver Broncos Jersey ,Houston Texans Jersey , Minnesota Vikings Jersey ,New Orleans Saints Jersey , San Diego Chargers Jersey,San Francisco 49ers Jersey , Tennessee Titans Jersey ,NHL Teams :Anaheim Ducks Jersey , Carolina Hurricanes Jersey , Dallas Stars Jersey , Hartford Whalers Jersey ,Minnesota Wild Jersey , New York Jets Jersey , Pittsburgh Penguins Jersey ,Quebec Nordiques Jersey , Toronto Maple Leafs Jersey , NBA Teams: Boston Celtics Jersey , Golden State Warriors Jersey , Milwaukee Bucks Jersey,Minnesota Timberwolves Jersey , Orlando Magic Jersey, Phoenix Suns Jersey , Toronto Raptors Jersey ,Washington Wizards Jersey ,MLB Teams: Boston RedSox Jersey, Cincinnati Reds Jersey , Houston Astros Jersey , Los Angeles Dodgers Jersey , Philadelphia Phillies Jersey,Pittsburgh Pirates Jersey ,San Francisco Giants Jersey ,Tampa Bay Rays Jersey ,Soccer Teams: AC Milan Jersey ,Bayern Munich Jersey , Manchester City Jersey , Chile Jersey, Germany Jersey , USA Jersey and so on

  13. Exellent presentation on financial history of world or money with its complexities trhu simplicity by Mr. NiallThose who are new to understand the magic of money must watch this on Fox history channel on every thrusday @10PM.

  14. Just wish to say your article is as astounding. The clearness in your post is just excellent and i could assume you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  15. Apple now has Rhapsody as an app, which is a great start, but it is currently hampered by the inability to store locally on your iPod, and has a dismal 64kbps bit rate. If this changes, then it will somewhat negate this advantage for the Zune, but the 10 songs per month will still be a big plus in Zune Pass’ favor.

  16. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just curious if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any support is very much appreciated.

  17. Currently it looks like BlogEngine is the best blogging platform out there right now. (from what I’ve read) Is that what you’re using on your blog?

  18. Hi, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i came to “return the favor”.I am attempting to find things to improve my website!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!

  19. I have been examinating out many of your posts and i must say pretty nice stuff. I will definitely bookmark your website.

  20. Wow, awesome blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is great, as well as the content!

  21. A reasonable action, if this were true, would be to immediately release most of the prisoners in our jails. (You may deny that legislation is a matter of morality; we can discuss that too.)

  22. You actually make it seem so easy with your presentation but I find this matter to be actually something that I think I would never understand. It seems too complex and very broad for me. I’m looking forward for your next post, I will try to get the hang of it!

  23. My brother recommended I might like this blog. He was totally right. This post truly made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  24. I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  25. The new Zune browser is surprisingly good, but not as good as the iPod’s. It works well, but isn’t as fast as Safari, and has a clunkier interface. If you occasionally plan on using the web browser that’s not an issue, but if you’re planning to browse the web alot from your PMP then the iPod’s larger screen and better browser may be important.

  26. I’d have to check with you here. Which is not one thing I often do! I take pleasure in studying a publish that will make individuals think. Also, thanks for permitting me to comment!

  27. Wonderful blog! I found it while surfing around on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Many thanks

  28. I have been browsing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours. It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the internet will be much more useful than ever before.

  29. It’s perfect time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I want to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!

  30. Hello there, You’ve done an incredible job. I will certainly digg it and personally suggest to my friends. I’m confident they’ll be benefited from this website.

  31. Howdy! Do you know if they make any plugins to assist with Search Engine Optimization? I’m trying to get my blog to rank for some targeted keywords but I’m not seeing very good success. If you know of any please share. Many thanks!

  32. Don´t want to hijack this blog, but I have to post this quick: please donate for Egypt! The situation is really out of control! They need our support now! I also just donated! Every Cent helps! Please also remind your friends and family!

  33. Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iphone and tested to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!

Comments are closed.