Death Penalty The death penalty has played a role as a source of punishment for years. This method has and is still one of the main options to prosecute an individual other than sentencing them to a life in prison. Although this method seems to be efficient, the real question that remains is whether or not it is a morally appropriate method of punishment. Utilizing the death penalty as a method of punishment is moral especially in connection to the theory of Ross’s Prima Facie Duties. Under the seven prima facie duties listed, the death penalty correlates and satisfies the responsibilities that we should hold ourselves to, and in turn proves that the true intent of the death penalty is moral in theory. Ross’s Prima Facie Duties is a
…show more content…
Ross defines fidelity as staying true to your word. This can apply to both a law and government perspective on what it means to defend this duty. The law itself has the duty to maintain its word and stay true to what is set in place with the understanding that the law is honest and unwavering. In the same instance, the government officials also have the duty to uphold fidelity and stay true their oath in connection with the law in order to fulfill their duty. Fidelity is not dependent on a situation, therefore, under moral circumstances, every individual that is accused of committing murder would receive the same punishment, in this case death, as long as it is understood that all persons involved in the decisions do not waver and completely honor fidelity. Lastly, the concept of gratitude is to acknowledge when others have benefitted you. Gratitude would be in favor of the victim’s family, society, and the criminal’s family. The sentencing would provide closure for the victim’s family and the knowledge that another family would not have to endure the same situation. Society is benefitted in the sense that one less murderer is able to carry out their maxims, and more importantly the criminal’s family is secure in knowing that someone they know and love cannot cause any more
Ross defines fidelity as staying true to your word. This can apply to both a law and government perspective on what it means to defend this duty. The law itself has the duty to maintain its word and stay true to what is set in place with the understanding that the law is honest and unwavering. In the same instance, the government officials also have the duty to uphold fidelity and stay true their oath in connection with the law in order to fulfill their duty. Fidelity is not dependent on a situation, therefore, under moral circumstances, every individual that is accused of committing murder would receive the same punishment, in this case death, as long as it is understood that all persons involved in the decisions do not waver and completely honor fidelity. Lastly, the concept of gratitude is to acknowledge when others have benefitted you. Gratitude would be in favor of the victim’s family, society, and the criminal’s family. The sentencing would provide closure for the victim’s family and the knowledge that another family would not have to endure the same situation. Society is benefitted in the sense that one less murderer is able to carry out their maxims, and more importantly the criminal’s family is secure in knowing that someone they know and love cannot cause any more