The Last Sunset

The Death Penalty (I): Opposing Views

In this entry, I will share about my views regarding the Death Penalty (DP). Firstly, let me explain what exactly the DP is. Basically, DP is a lawful execution of a criminal. It is the ultimate punishment for the most heinous crimes such as homicide and treason. The scope of the DP is very large. Thus, it can be, in fact, it is still being, a debatable issue.

“The DP is that it is a violation of one of the most fundamental of human rights: the right to live. It is the premeditated and cold-blooded killing of a human being by the state in the name of justice. It is the ultimate cruel, inhumane and degrading punishment.” (Amnesty International)

I am totally against the DP and one of my goals is to work towards its abolishment worldwide, or at least, in Singapore. Though most Singaporeans are for the DP, there is still a ray of hope that it can still be abolished as long as there are people against it. The DP is something which I absolutely loathe due to it being totally inhumane. The supporting details are stated below:

One fact about the DP is that it is irreversible, we must understand that. There is no escaping of the risk of error which can lead to the execution of an innocent person. No matter how slight the risk is, as long as there is a possibility, innocent people can be killed. Well, this has got to do with the judicial system of the respective countries. If the system is full of prosecutors who lie, incompetent defence lawyers or bias judges, the chance that the DP will be applied wrongly will be higher – much higher. So, what if a person is killed and his innocent is only determined after his execution? Well, the law has taken its course and there isn’t anything anyone can do to help to reverse the sentence by reviving him. Could you imagine how the victim would feel prior to his death? Could you imagine how the victim’s family would feel? Such feelings are definitely unbearable. This is in fact the strongest reason why the DP should be abolished. As long as the DP exists, the possibility of an innocent man being executed also exists. Thus, it leads to the inhumanity of mankind.

(Live everyday as if there is no tomorrow)

Acknowledgements

http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGAFR010132004?open&of=ENG-392