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The Ethics Of Capital Punishment

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Retribution-A means to an end

Capital Punishment, also known as the death penalty, is a way of dealing with the worst criminal offenses imaginable. Retribution for heinous crimes such as murder has gone back to biblical times and most likely further. Although, capital punishment is a great way to deal with these types of criminals, the punishment must suit the gravity of the crime. Do you agree with the death penalty as means for retribution?
According to Louis P. Pojman, a prominent advocate for capital punishment, “Retributivism is the theory that the criminal deserves to be punished.” (The Ethics of Capital punishment 8.) This idea is often expressed with the biblical phrase “eye for an eye,” though a more fitting biblical quotation might be, “Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man, shall his blood be shed.” (Genesis 9:6) …show more content…

Although, capital punishment can also be applied for treason, espionage, and other crimes. Bruce Fein, JD, General Counsel for the Center for Law and Accountability, in an American Bar Association website article titled "Individual Rights and Responsibility - The Death Penalty, But Sparingly" (accessed October 14, 2015), offered the following: " Capital punishment celebrates the dignity of the humans whose lives were ended by the defendant's predation."
One of the most important utilitarian arguments for the death penalty is that of deterrence. By this argument, capital punishment is ethically justified not because it is appropriate punishment or because it is biblically justified, but because it prevents

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