Capital Punishment

Since a high-profile execution has made big headlines over the past couple of days, I think now is a good time to continue with my resolve to leave my views regarding various issues. I'll start with capital punishment.

I feel the chance for repentance should be afforded to all, and we should let God judge the souls of the guilty, while we do what we can to protect the public. In the same breath, however, I also feel that for those individuals who are either unrepentant or remain a threat to society, the death penalty is appropriate. I repeat, I am for the death penalty, but only in extreme cases. Few stories are more horrific than a convicted murderer or pedophile who gets out of prison only to rape and murder again. In that light, using strict punishments to avoid repeat offenders is a high priority on my political checklist. I am also frustrated, though, by the amount of taxpayer resources that is required to house, rehabilitate, and even execute criminals. It has been reported than executions are so much more costly than life sentences, due in part to the high legal costs associated with appeals and due process. For this, I have no suggestions or solutions because of my unfamiliarity to the system in general, but it remains a frustration.

Part of my opinion rests on the scriptural justifications for capital punishment, including the strict Law of Moses. If God had certain reasons to sanction it, than how can I be entirely against it? Some suggest that strict punishment doesn't deter crime. I'm not sold on that idea as I read more and more about Singapore and their strict and often public punishments effectively reducing graffiti and crime in general. No doubt many, if not most, violent crimes are committed out of rage with no regard for the consequences. Strict penalties would do little to stop them. It may make others think twice, though, and save countless victims. I'm for rehabilitation, but if I'm a legislator and I have to decide between using current budget funds to improve a corrections program or to feed the poor, I'm going to choose the latter. One might justifiably argue, though, that the two problems, poverty and crime, are inseparable. Yes, it is a "which comes first-the chicken or the egg?" problem, which reinforces my belief in religious principles solving social problems by focusing on strengthening families and instilling individual morals and ideals before problems start.