CJE3512
The death penalty state sanctioned retribution, or a deterrent?
The death penalty is one of the most controversial forms of punishment in the world. While many countries have abolished the death penalty, the United States continues to use this method of punishment. Many believe that it is state sanctioned retribution while others argue that it is a deterrent. Some believe that the death penalty is a reasonable retribution; they argue, that the offenders deserve it, that it’s the law. Others believe that deterrence can be used as a means to set an example to others who are would-be or soon-to-be offenders so that they will be deterred from committing a similar offense. Defined retribution is punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved. I would agree that the death penalty is state sanctioned retribution.
"People often confuse retribution with revenge... Vengeance signifies inflicting harm on the offender out of anger because of what he has done. Retribution is the rationally supported theory that the criminal deserves a punishment fitting the gravity of his crime...” (Louis P. Pojman) When a society fails to punish criminals in a way thought to be equivalent to the gravity of the crime, the danger arises that the public would take the law …show more content…
Is there any other punishment that would have fit the crime committed by Chavez other than the death penalty? Samuel James Ryce was a child who was abducted, raped and killed by Juan Carlos Chavez in Redland, Florida. On September 11, 1995, nine-year-old Ryce was riding the bus from school. He was dropped off, along with ten classmates, and had to walk less than a block to his home. Chavez forced Ryce at gunpoint into his truck. Chavez took Ryce to his trailer where he raped him. Chavez shot the Ryce in the back and held the child until he took his last breath. Then, Chavez decapitated and dismembered
The death penalty state sanctioned retribution, or a deterrent?
The death penalty is one of the most controversial forms of punishment in the world. While many countries have abolished the death penalty, the United States continues to use this method of punishment. Many believe that it is state sanctioned retribution while others argue that it is a deterrent. Some believe that the death penalty is a reasonable retribution; they argue, that the offenders deserve it, that it’s the law. Others believe that deterrence can be used as a means to set an example to others who are would-be or soon-to-be offenders so that they will be deterred from committing a similar offense. Defined retribution is punishment that is considered to be morally right and fully deserved. I would agree that the death penalty is state sanctioned retribution.
"People often confuse retribution with revenge... Vengeance signifies inflicting harm on the offender out of anger because of what he has done. Retribution is the rationally supported theory that the criminal deserves a punishment fitting the gravity of his crime...” (Louis P. Pojman) When a society fails to punish criminals in a way thought to be equivalent to the gravity of the crime, the danger arises that the public would take the law …show more content…
Is there any other punishment that would have fit the crime committed by Chavez other than the death penalty? Samuel James Ryce was a child who was abducted, raped and killed by Juan Carlos Chavez in Redland, Florida. On September 11, 1995, nine-year-old Ryce was riding the bus from school. He was dropped off, along with ten classmates, and had to walk less than a block to his home. Chavez forced Ryce at gunpoint into his truck. Chavez took Ryce to his trailer where he raped him. Chavez shot the Ryce in the back and held the child until he took his last breath. Then, Chavez decapitated and dismembered