Moral Justification of the Death Penalty

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Moral Justification of the Death Penalty

"There are, of course, political leaders and others who advocate capital punishment as part of a calculated attempt to gain or maintain power, but most people who favor the death penalty are motivated by natural reactions of fear and indignation, as well as laudatory moral desires to protect the innocent and to see justice done" (Nathason and Goldberg). Capital punishment has been used by almost every culture in the world. Execution has been in existance almost as long as people have populated Earth, and has been controversial since. History has shown since the Old Testament and Hebrew and Heian period to the present day, there have been those in favor and those against the death penalty. Whether or not capital punishment should and will be a permanent establishment in our justice system has been discussed by many, in various levels of society for hundreds of years. Although many in society argue the issues in abolishing capital punishment, many areas can point to the moral justification of punishment in general.

Legal execution has existed as long as human culture was brought upon this planet. One of the first written codes of law, composed by Hammurabi of Babylonia and carved on a stone column nearly four thousand years ago, includes death as an appropriate punishment (Bender and Leone 12). With as many tracks of history, punishment has been used for many years. The Hebrew culture used the death penalty as a means of retaliation against criminals. The retaliation was intended to be for the crime that has been made. "An eye for an eye," is the most common used quotation in associated with this principle. Today, more than one- half of the world's nations use capital punishment...

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...y supporting the penalty cannot bring his or her family, friend, etc. back to life. The statement expressly states that justice is served for the murderer's irresponsible actions.

Naturally, no conclusion can be set forth to be ruled on all aspects of capital punishment, which continues a controversial debate for ongoing years to come. Although in general, capital punishment can point to the moral excuse of punishment to such persons. In view of the fact that the government seeks to uphold law and order, securing the safety of its people. Since this is one acceptable way to show the moral point to society. Until then, society finds a way to protect itself from the murder of its members, this country will continue to be known as "the most lawless nation claiming place among the civilized nations of the world (Bender and Leone 46).

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