Would you ever act as witness to an execution ?

Even with no question that the convicted had committed an especially heinous crime ?
(If you are completely anti-death penalty under all circumstances, this question is obviously not directed at you)

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Mamapolo2016 · F

That’s a “that depends” question.

My stance is - if I support the structure that permits execution (and a fair part of the time, I do), closing my eyes and turning away, is hypocrisy. My hands are no cleaner than the executioner’s. If I want it done, then I can’t pretend I’m not part of that structure.

That said, I do NOT support capital punishment unless it’s an ironclad case. I can’t say, “Oops, my bad,” and undo the error if they have already been executed.

So, it depends, and I don’t know.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Mamapolo2016 That’s part of the conversation I was having with some friends recently.

OogieBoogie · F

@Mamapolo2016 you always give such indepth answers.

I like that you applied the idea that if we support it, we cant pretend to be innocent of responsibility.

Im like you - it has to be 100% proven, no doubt at all, case.
Not even 0.1% that they could be wrong.

And it has to be a totally unprovoked premeditated heinous crime, coz some people can do terrible things if driven or in the heat of the moment, react impulsively.

Mamapolo2016 · F

@OogieBoogie I think as science progresses, to at least some extent, it will improve our law enforcement accuracy.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Mamapolo2016 I understand this. I have always said that my objections to capital punishment are specific to our country, because it’s not meted out equitably—a wealthy person is unlikely to wind up on Death Row—regardless of the crime committed.
I fully acknowledge that some people have forfeited the right to continue drawing breath based upon the horrific things they’ve done. Society would be better off with them gone.

Mamapolo2016 · F

@bijouxbroussard Yes. I agree with you. By too great a measure the legal system is failing us. By and large, they are not even making much effort to conceal it. So many things need fixing, but by design (I believe) the people who are sworn to fix that are dedicated to perpetuating it.

Like Congress. Like banks. Like health providers and insurers. Like credit cards.

If you are wealthy and/or powerful, and got that way through corruption, they’ll find a way to get them out of it. And even those who aren’t part of it are guilty of silence.