Death Penalty

Question 1

What do most Jews believe about capital punishment?

Answer 1

1. It is acceptable
2. It can only be used as a last resort and with severe restrictions
3. Murderers with the potential to reform must not be executed.

Question 2

Why would some Jews argue in favour of capital punishment?

Answer 2

1. The Torah says that it should be used for certain offences
2. The Talmud says that it is allowed if the person has been warned and there are 2 independent witnesses.
3. Basis of Jewish theory of punishment is the protection of society, so it should be used to protect the innocents.

Question 3

Why would some Jews argue against capital punishment?

Answer 3

1. Mishneh says ‘A sanhedrin (Jewish court) that executes once is … murderous.” This means that courts cannot use capital punishment.
2. Capital punishment does not reduce crimes, since the wrong person could be convicted. This goes against the commandment for Jews to seek justice.
3. Murder is forbidden in the decalogue.

Question 4

Humanist attitudes to capital punishment:

Answer 4

1. They reject it
2. No court system can be certain the correct verdict is always given.
3. Statistics show that countries without it have a lower murder rate, this shows that it does not act as a deterrent.
4. Executing murderers shows that society does not care for human life.

Question 5

Why do some atheists support capital punishment?

Answer 5

1. It can act as a deterrent.
2. Murderers and terrorists are a great threat to society, protects innocent people.
3. Human life is important and the value of human life can only be shown by giving those who take human life the worst punishment.
4. Retribution is an important part of punishment. The only compensation for taking a life is for the criminal’s life to be taken.

Question 6

SOWAAs:

Answer 6

1. “A sanhedrin that executes…is murderous.”
2. “You shall not murder.”
3. “An eye for an eye.”
4. “A life for a life”
5. “Anyone who strikes a man….be put to death.”