The death penalty (OCR GCSE Religious Studies): Revision Notes

The death penalty

Capital Punishment

Definition:

Global Perspective:

• Abolition and Retention:
  • A total of 140 countries have either abolished the death penalty in law or have stopped using it in practice.
  • However, 58 countries still retain and actively implement the death penalty.
• Recent Developments:
  • In March 2005, the USA abolished the execution of juvenile offenders, which impacted over 70 young people on death row across twelve states.
  • Since 1973, more than 130 prisoners on death row in the USA have been released after their convictions were overturned.

• Methods of Execution:
  • The methods of execution used around the world include firing squad, hanging, lethal injection, stoning, beheading, gas chamber, electric chair, and, in some extreme cases, crucifixion (e.g., in Sudan).

Christian Teachings on Capital Punishment:

Sanctity of Life:

• The belief in the sanctity of life teaches that life is a gift from God, and only God has the right to take it away. This perspective suggests that capital punishment is wrong because it usurps God's authority over life and death.

Biblical References:

The Ten Commandments include the command, "Do not Kill!" (Exodus).

• Jesus taught, "Love your neighbour as yourself" (Matthew).
• Support for Capital Punishment:
  • Some Christians who support the death penalty refer to teachings from the Old Testament.
  • Key Verses:

"Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed" (Genesis).

"Life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth" (Exodus).

Islamic Teachings on Capital Punishment:

• Use of the Death Penalty:
  • In some Muslim-majority countries, the death penalty is implemented as a deterrent for serious crimes such as murder and rape.
• Encouragement of Mercy:
  • The victim or their family is encouraged to show mercy by accepting financial compensation (blood money) from the offender, which can reduce the sentence from death to imprisonment.
• Qur'anic Teachings:

The Qur'an states, "If a man is killed unjustly, his family will be entitled to satisfaction" (Qur'an).

"We ordained for them; life for life" (Qur'an).

Arguments FOR Capital Punishment	Arguments AGAINST Capital Punishment
Retribution: The principle of "an eye for an eye, life for a life" suggests that murderers should pay with their own life.	Uncivilized Retribution: Retribution is uncivilised; two wrongs do not make a right. It is contradictory to condemn murder and then execute a murderer.
Deterrence: Capital punishment serves as a deterrent by discouraging others from committing severe crimes due to fear of the death penalty.	Lack of Deterrence: Most murders are committed on the spur of the moment, so capital punishment would not effectively deter these crimes.
Justice for Victims: It is believed that capital punishment delivers justice for victims and their families, providing a sense of closure.	Unresolved Grief: Victims' families still grieve; killing the murderer does not end the pain of loss.
Life Sentences: Life sentences do not actually mean life; murderers can often be released after around sixteen years, which is seen as inadequate punishment.	Risk of Wrongful Execution: Legal systems can fail, leading to the wrongful execution of innocent people.
Resource Efficiency: Keeping criminals in prison for life is viewed as a waste of resources, so capital punishment is seen as a more efficient solution.	Sanctity of Life: All life is sacred, and even murderers should be given the chance to reform.
Protection: Capital punishment is considered the only way to ensure that society is completely protected from the worst criminals, especially those who are seen as beyond reform.	Inhumane and Degrading: It is inhumane and degrading to put anyone through the mental torture of death row.
Principle of Utility: Capital punishment can be argued to be right under the Principle of Utility, as it protects society at large and brings satisfaction to victims' families, contributing to the greatest happiness for the greatest number.	Christian Teachings on Forgiveness: Teachings such as "Forgive your brother 70 x 7 times" (Matthew 12:30-31) and "Pray for those who persecute you" (Sermon on the Mount) emphasise forgiveness over retribution.
Biblical Support: Verses like "Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed" (Genesis 9:6) and "Whatever measure you deal out to others will be dealt back to you" (Matthew 7:2) are often cited in support of capital punishment.	Papal Teaching: Pope Pius XII stated, "Even when there is question of the execution of a condemned man, the State does not dispose of the individual's right to life," reflecting opposition to the death penalty.