Religion and Punishment (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

Ethical arguments related to the death penalty

Society's Beliefs on the Death Penalty

• Society's views on the death penalty are deeply divided. In many countries, the death penalty has been abolished, reflecting a shift towards valuing the sanctity of life and recognising the potential for judicial errors that could lead to the execution of innocent people.
• Critics argue that capital punishment is inhumane, degrading, and does not effectively deter crime, as many murders are committed in the heat of the moment without consideration of the consequences.
• Additionally, religious perspectives often emphasise forgiveness and the belief that only God has the right to take a life.
• However, in some societies, the death penalty is still supported as a necessary measure for delivering justice, deterring heinous crimes, and protecting society from individuals who are deemed beyond reform. This perspective is often backed by the principle of retribution — "an eye for an eye"—and the belief that the death penalty serves as a just response to the most serious crimes.

Ethical Arguments Related to the Death Penalty

Ethical Arguments FOR the Death Penalty	Ethical Arguments AGAINST the Death Penalty
Principle of Utility: The death penalty can be justified under the principle of utility, which states that an action is right if it promotes the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Capital punishment can be seen as protecting society at large by permanently removing dangerous criminals, thereby increasing the overall safety and happiness of the community.	Sanctity of Life: The sanctity of life principle holds that all life is sacred and only God has the authority to take a life. Capital punishment is viewed as morally wrong because it deliberately ends a human life, violating this principle and disregarding the possibility of repentance and reform.
Retribution and Justice: Supporters argue that the death penalty is a just retribution for the most heinous crimes, ensuring that the punishment fits the crime. This form of justice provides closure for victims' families and upholds the moral order of society.	Risk of Judicial Error: Ethical opposition to the death penalty includes concerns about the irreversible nature of execution in the event of judicial errors. The possibility of executing an innocent person is considered a grave injustice that cannot be rectified.
Deterrence: Proponents claim that the threat of the death penalty acts as a deterrent, preventing others from committing similar serious crimes out of fear of the ultimate punishment.	Inhumanity and Degradation: The death penalty is often criticised as inhumane and degrading, causing unnecessary suffering and violating the dignity of the person condemned to death. The prolonged uncertainty on death row is also seen as a form of psychological torture.
Protection of Society: Capital punishment is viewed as the only way to completely protect society from individuals who are considered irredeemably dangerous and beyond rehabilitation.	Forgiveness and Redemption: Many ethical frameworks, particularly religious ones, emphasise the importance of forgiveness and the potential for redemption. The death penalty denies the possibility of the offender repenting and seeking to make amends for their actions.