Yesterday I got into a bit of an argument with some friends over the death penalty. We are all faithful Christians, but I am strongly in favor of the death penalty where they are not. They argued that it's not "merciful" and "you're taking away their right to life and ability to repent."
I argued back saying, "They gave up their right to life when they murdered/raped/kidnapped/etc. Did the criminal show mercy to their victim? The criminal took away the victim's right to life. Criminals on death row spend decades awaiting their sentence, there is more than enough time to repent, and if they refuse to repent on their deathbed then that's their decision. We can't 'force' them to believe when they don't want to. That's their free will choice. Justice must be served, not only in the next life but in this one as well. Justice must be served for the victims and their families. Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent."
They argued that because there have been instances where innocent people are falsely accused and put on death row, that therefore nobody should be put on death row. If we should go by that standard then we should abolish the justice and prison system entirely, because innocent people are put behind bars all the time (Jan. 6th prisoners), far more than they are put on death row. They also said putting someone to death is "too expensive." But giving them free meals and housing in prison for the rest of their lives isn't? And all on our dime?
Even the Bible has stated that it IS lawful for executions to be done against criminals: "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Romans 13:4.
But I'm wondering what you all think of this? Was I right to advocate for capital punishment when it is appropriate for heinous crimes? In regards to the "elite" who have committed such acts of atrocity against humanity I believe it is well within humanity's right to enact justice on them, to the fullest extent of the law, and that includes capital punishment. Or should we be "the bigger man" and grant them mercy where they wouldn't for us?
TL;DR
Got in an argument with friends about the death penalty. I said it should definitely be allowed when appropriate for heinous crimes. They said it's not "merciful." Should it be allowed or not?
I love "debating" this issue when I can. I'm a Christian, but you don't need to be one to see the necessity for the death penalty in a just society. Here's the usual objections to the death penalty, including some of your friends', and my replies:
The death penalty isn't merciful.
Not an argument.
You're taking away their right to life.
Yes. This is the purpose of the death penalty. Tell your friends: The purpose of the death penalty is to remove people from a civilized society who have shown themselves unable to live in that society.
You're taking away their ability to repent.
Wrong. They can repent up to the moment they're hanged.
The death penalty doesn't work as a deterrent to crime.
"Deterrence" isn't the purpose of the death penalty. Let's say "detergent" is the purpose of the death penalty. See above: The purpose of the death penalty is to remove people from a civilized society who have shown themselves unable to live in that society.
It costs more money to put someone to death than to let them live their life out in prison.
Wrong. As someone else has already noted, quick trials and executions save taxpayer money and space in prisons.
B-but innocent people have been falsely accused and executed!
No justice system is perfect; just look at all the false rape accusations and the hundreds (thousands?) of men who've had their lives ruined by women and an obliging MSM. Let's leave the death penalty for instances in which the evidence is incontrovertible.
You don't need to quote the Bible for any of the arguments above.
An extra point in your favor: the death sentence sure as hell is a deterrent to the one executed. No recidivism. No repeat offenses. One less predator to deal with.