[Winsor_Pilates]

Originally Posted by RougeUnderoos

The victim's family may feel better-- is that a motivating factor in the justice system? I'd feel better if the kid stole my car was flogged in public instead of getting probation. So should I get my flogging? I've got all the sympathy in the world for the families of the victims, but I don't think executing the guy because it might make them feel better (and really, how much better?) is the way to go.

Hell, it might make them feel worse. Dragging all this stuff up again years later, giving him more time in the sun. If this nut killed one of my family members, I think I'd like the whole thing to end ASAP. Put the guy in his hole and we'll never hear from him again. It's over.

I think it is a motivating factor of the justice system, although not a major one.
And yes, some victim's families may feel this is worse, and some would be against the death penalty, however I do believe the majority would prefer this. This is the only reason the death penalty makes any sense IMO, but I would also want more research into the impact of it on these families as well.

If he gets life, something has been accomplished -- he's in the slammer. We've accomplished getting him off the streets. What do we accomplish by putting someone in the chair when we know they are stuck in there forever? Is it some sort of, ahem, overkill? We not only need him off the streets, we need him off the bench in the cell?

It may be overkill, but it may also be the most appropriate punishment for the crime, and may contribute even a small amount to giving some closure to the victims families.

Anyone willing to do something that is a capital offense doesn't care about anything. There is no deterrence for a man who would shoot strangers for no apparent personal gain.

The same can't be said for most other crimes. Hopefully. Considering the both the crime rate and level of incarceration down there, prison doesn't seem to be much of a deterrent, but that's a different story.

Agreed this is a different story and death penalty vs jail is irrelevant as a deterrent for people like this. If I am supporting the death penalty (which I'm not sure I am), it's not because of deterrence and I don't think deterrence should enter the debate.

I'm not saying punishment or jail doesn't solve anything. I'm saying executing a guy who is never again going to see the light of day doesn't solve anything. He's done, he's finished. His life already is over for all intents and purposes. Killing him doesn't make anything any better.

The only thing killing him may add is some closure for the families. I don't consider myself a supporter of the Death Penalty (more a person exploring the issue and not 100% decided), but this is the one reason that keeps me from being 100% against it.