Question

Death Penalty Cases Source: eText, p.234. Suppose that you were a member of a congressional or other type of committee that has as its mandate determining the type of crime that could be considered to be punishable by death.

What kinds of cases, if any, would you put on the list and why? Sexual assault and killing of a minor? Planned killing of a batterer by his (or her) spouse? Persons convicted of war crimes? Mob leaders or others who give an order to kill but who do not carry it out themselves? Killing of a police officer or public figure? Multiple murderers? Others? Why would you pick out just those crimes on your list as appropriately punished by death or as the worst crimes?

Answer 1

If I were a member of a community that has, as its mandate, determining the type of crime that could be considered punishable by death, I would put cases of multiple murderers on the list. I would assume that individuals capable of carrying out multiple number of murders are likely to not experience guilt or remorse for their actions as performing the crime repeatedly would legitimise or normalise it for them. Such criminals should undergo psychiatric evaluation to determine what they feel about their past actions and how they relate to their victims. Some criminals may receive a diagnosis such as anti-social personality disorder, or the so called “psychopathic” personality type. In such a case, given their past history, the possibility of redemption and therefore successful rehabilitation into the society as a well-functioning citizen is also doubtful.