NML

• Aquinas' idea of rehabilitation

  accept punishment of death, expiate evil deeds and escape punishment in the next life
• What does it say in Aquinas' Summa Theologica?

  'care of the common good is entrusted to persons of rank having public authority: wherefore they alone can lawfully put evildoers to death'
• When is capital punishment legitimate?

  when it is carried out by the state
• Why is it not the responsibility of individuals?

  Can become out of hand with revenge killings
• Why is the executioner not a murderer?

  because the state authorises it just as God authorised the Israelites to kill their enemies
• What does the Summa Theologica compare killing a man who has sinned to?

  'a wild beast, especially if harmful'