Capital Punishment

• What is one non-religious argument in favor of capital punishment?

  It is seen as retribution for murder.
• Why do proponents of capital punishment believe it is appropriate for murderers?

  Because they believe murderers deserve to lose their life as punishment.
• What is the significance of human life in the context of capital punishment arguments?

  Human life is considered precious, and murderers deserve to lose their life as a penalty.
• How do modern policing methods impact the arguments for capital punishment?

  They provide incredibly strong evidence against criminals.
• What role does deterrence play in the argument for capital punishment?

  It suggests that knowing one could be executed makes people less likely to commit crimes.
• What is one way capital punishment is said to protect society?

  It protects society from the worst criminals.
• How does capital punishment provide closure to victims' families?

  It allows families to feel that justice has been served.
• In what way does capital punishment save taxpayers' money?

  By eliminating the costs associated with long-term incarceration of criminals.
• What are the main non-religious arguments in favor of capital punishment?

  • Retribution for murder
  • Human life is precious
  • Strong evidence from modern policing
  • Deterrent effect on crime
  • Protection of society from worst criminals
  • Closure for victims' families
  • Savings for taxpayers
• What is the primary argument against capital punishment regarding its nature?

  Capital punishment is seen as vengeance, not retribution.
• Why is the argument that killing as punishment contradicts the value of human life significant?

  Killing people to show that human life is precious seems contradictory.
• What is a major concern regarding the possibility of executing innocent people?

  Mistakes can happen, leading to the execution of innocent individuals.
• What type of crimes are most killings associated with, according to the arguments against capital punishment?

  Most killings are crimes of passion, occurring in the heat of the moment.
• How does life imprisonment compare to capital punishment in terms of societal protection?

  Life imprisonment can protect society just as well as capital punishment.
• What consideration is raised regarding the family of the executed criminal?

  The impact on the family of the executed criminal is a concern.
• Why is capital punishment considered more expensive than imprisonment in the USA?

  Capital punishment is far more expensive due to legal expenses involved in appeals.
• Most humanists oppose the death penalty because:

  • Capital punishment does not seem to deter crime. The US has one of the highest murder rates among western democracies and US states with the death penalty have 28% more homicides than those without. The number of murders does not rise when capital punishment is abolished.

  • They do not think that killing people in revenge is right.

  • They are concerned about the risk of executing innocent people by mistake.