The death penalty (AQA GCSE Religious Studies A): Revision Notes
The death penalty
What is the death penalty?
The death penalty, also known as capital punishment, refers to the legal execution of individuals who have been condemned for serious crimes. This involves deliberately ending the life of a prisoner as their ultimate punishment. Whilst the United Kingdom abolished capital punishment in 1965 (and Northern Ireland in 1973), it remains in use in various countries including China, Iran, and is legal in 31 states across the USA.
Purposes of capital punishment
There are several reasons why some societies continue to use the death penalty as a form of justice. The primary purposes include providing the most severe punishment available for the most heinous crimes that have been committed. Supporters argue that it serves as a powerful deterrent, potentially preventing other individuals from committing similar offences. Additionally, many believe that capital punishment helps victims' families feel that proper justice has been served and that the punishment truly fits the severity of the crime.
Different methods have been used throughout history for carrying out executions, including hanging, firing squad, the electric chair, and lethal injection, though the specific method varies by jurisdiction.
Biblical teachings on capital punishment
The Bible presents conflicting perspectives on the death penalty, which has led to ongoing theological debate within Christianity. These differing passages provide ammunition for both supporters and opponents of capital punishment.
One key passage that appears to support capital punishment can be found in the Old Testament:
Supporting Capital Punishment:
"Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed." (Genesis 9:6)
This verse from Genesis suggests that murder should be met with capital punishment, indicating divine approval for taking the life of those who commit murder.
However, other biblical teachings seem to oppose the death penalty. The Ten Commandments clearly state:
Opposing Capital Punishment:
"You shall not murder." (Exodus 20:13)
This commandment teaches that taking another person's life is fundamentally wrong according to God's law, regardless of the circumstances.
Differing Catholic Christian views
The Catholic Church and individual Catholics hold varying positions on capital punishment, with reasonable arguments presented on both sides of the debate.
Arguments supporting the death penalty
Some Catholics argue that the death penalty can be justified based on certain biblical and theological grounds. The Old Testament contains passages that appear to endorse capital punishment for specific crimes, such as the Genesis passage mentioned above. They point out that Jesus never explicitly taught that the death penalty was wrong during his ministry.
Historical precedent also supports this view, as the Christian Church used capital punishment during the Middle Ages. The official Catechism of the Catholic Church has traditionally acknowledged that whilst the Church doesn't exclude recourse to the death penalty, it should only be used as a way of effectively defending human lives against unjust aggressors.
Arguments opposing the death penalty
Many Catholics argue against capital punishment based on Jesus's teachings about forgiveness and non-violence. They reference Jesus's instruction about turning the other cheek:
"But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also." (Matthew 5:39)
This teaching emphasises forgiveness and non-retaliation rather than punishment.
The overall message of Catholic Christianity centres on love and forgiveness, which many believe conflicts with the concept of capital punishment. The Catechism also states that taking another person's life is wrong, and many Popes have spoken out against the death penalty. Pope John Paul II, for instance, called it "cruel and unnecessary". The Church teaches that God alone has the right to determine when life ends, and that no one should claim the authority to deliberately destroy an innocent human being. This goes against the sanctity of life from its beginning until its natural end.
Non-religious perspectives
Humanist views
Humanists generally oppose the death penalty because they believe that any form of premeditated killing is morally wrong, even when carried out by the state as punishment. They argue that there is always the possibility of executing an innocent person due to errors in the justice system, making capital punishment an unacceptable risk.
Key Humanist Concern:
The risk of executing innocent individuals due to flaws in the justice system represents an irreversible mistake that goes against humanist principles of protecting human dignity and rights.
Atheist views
Atheists may hold varying opinions on capital punishment. Some atheists support the death penalty, believing that the worst crimes, particularly murder, justify this ultimate punishment. Others oppose it, arguing that the death penalty means criminals escape true justice, as they believe a long prison sentence would be more appropriate retribution than execution.
Diverse Atheist Perspectives:
Unlike religious groups that may have unified doctrinal positions, atheists base their views on capital punishment on personal ethical reasoning, leading to a wide spectrum of opinions within atheist communities.
Ethical arguments
Utilitarian perspective
The theory of utilitarianism focuses on actions that bring the greatest happiness to the greatest number of people. From this ethical standpoint, it could be argued that executing a murderer serves the greater good by protecting more people in society from potential future harm. This approach weighs the benefit to society against the cost of one life.
Utilitarian Analysis:
Utilitarian supporters of capital punishment argue that if the death penalty prevents even one future murder through deterrence, it maximises overall societal well-being. However, critics question whether sufficient evidence exists to prove this deterrent effect.
Sanctity of life argument
Ethical arguments based on the sanctity of life principle maintain that all human life is sacred and special, regardless of circumstances. This viewpoint holds that life should be protected at all costs, making the use of the death penalty ethically unacceptable as it deliberately destroys something that should be considered sacred and inviolable.
Sanctity of Life Position:
This principle argues that human life possesses inherent dignity and value that cannot be forfeited, even through the commission of heinous crimes. Taking life is viewed as crossing a moral boundary that societies should never breach.
Key Points to Remember:
- The death penalty involves legally executing condemned prisoners and remains controversial worldwide
- The Bible contains conflicting teachings - Genesis 9:6 appears to support capital punishment whilst Exodus 20:13 forbids killing
- Catholics are divided on the issue, with some supporting it based on Old Testament teachings and others opposing it based on Jesus's message of love and forgiveness
- Non-religious views vary, with humanists generally opposing it and atheists holding mixed opinions
- Key ethical arguments centre around utilitarianism (greatest good for greatest number) versus the sanctity of life principle