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A Personal Take on the Death Penalty

The Death Penalty is an interesting concept. On a theoretical level it should deter serious crimes, but that has been very difficult to prove. In recent years, scientific advances have produced last-minute salvation for some death row inmates, who were innocent and facing the death penalty. But ultimately, Americans still seem to support the death penalty by a pretty large margin.

Catholics are free to support or not support the death penalty as they see fit – the Catechism clearly teaches that governments have the authority to use the death penalty in certain situations (#2266). Basically, if the crime is a case of “extreme gravity” then the death penalty can be used provided it deters future crime and is within a just framework. Now the American Bishops have issued several statements suggesting that the American judicial system does not meet the above criteria.

But this blog entry is on my personal take as to the death penalty, specifically in America. I have three basic problems with it:
(1) I think the innocent should be spared at virtually all costs. This means that if we find innocent people have been killed or are likely to be killed, I think it should be stopped. Recently several states have put a moratorium on death sentences as new scientific advances proved death row inmates were innocent. This is a scary thought – it would be better to allow only life in prison.
(2) Injustice cannot be tolerated. Perhaps the most condemning of any argument against the American use of the death penalty is the injustice involved. Rich people and typically white people are far less likely to be executed than black, Hispanic and/or poor people. When perpetrating the same crime, white people are less likely to be executed. This is a big, big problem.
(3) The death penalty must deter future crime. I agree wholeheartedly with the Pope on this one: the only value to society of a death penalty lies in deterrence. Punishment for the crime can be meted out in other ways that allow for the potential salvation of those who commit these heinous offenses. The death penalty cannot repair victims or offer real consolation to their families. Unfortunately it seems deterrence is only a theoretical possibility. Not a reality.

My journey from being a proponent of the death penalty to criticizing came through knowledge. The death penalty sounds great. It seems like such an obvious solution to problems. Unfortunately it doesn’t work – life in prison is just as good. As I studied, read, and learned more, I decided that it’s more likely we are killing the innocent and removing the possibility of salvation from the guilty.

Let me know what you think. By the way, I recommend the movie The Life of David Gale, which is now on video. It’s an excellent look at the shortcomings of the death penalty; but be forewarned, it contains some graphic and violent images.

On a side note, I always found it interesting that Democrats support abortion but typically go against the death penalty. How is it that you can essentially support the "death penalty for the innocent" and go against the death penalty for the guilty? At least pick a consistent strategy - something that makes sense!

Jay