This is not a screed/rant against the death penalty. Let's get that cleared up. If we as a society believe in the ultimate penalty for heinous crime, then we do. I mean, although since it was re instituted in the 70's the violent crime rate has gone up so it's not a deterrent. Since the same time 144 people have been exonerated while on death row, and there are doubts about some executions carried out so "reasonable doubt" doesn't seem to hold us back. In spite of these facts, Americans still support the death penalty. So we have it in many states.
But - you knew there was a "but" coming right? - it has to be done right. Recently botched executions like Arizona, Oklahoma and Ohio should not happen. We are civilized, and regardless of why an inmate is executed, a civilized society does not execute with malice. An execution is result of objective justice carried out according to law, not revenge. Families of the victims are free to see it as revenge. The rest of us should not. The US Constitution prohibits "cruel and unusual punishment" in the 8th Amendment. We don't draw and quarter. We don't use the guillotine. We don't crucify, and we should not excuse leaving an inmate gasping on a gurney as "getting what they deserve."
It's really simple. It's either done right (which means according to out values), or it shouldn't be done.
Wow........I thought this would be longer........
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