UK Death Penalty - would you like it returned?

And if someone who had a loved one hanged , though innocent?

No, definitely no to death penalties. Even though it would be a much better 'value for money' option. In some respects it's taking the easy way out for the guilty party as they have no time to ponder their crime or for other inmates to educate them.

(There has been the odd occasion when something really horrendous comes on the news when I've thought of an oubliette as being an option, but the thought has been short-lived.)

Quite shockingly it seems some of the younger generation, most notably Generation Z don't share the general consensus expressed here about not wanting capital punishment, 45% would favour it according to a recent poll. Plus a fair proportion maybe a third whilst wanting strong leadership thought a military dictatorship might be the answer. Again quite shocking! and I'm thinking they haven't read about countries that did live under those for a period. Franco presided over a reign of terror and more latterly so did Argentina and Chile. I remember being appalled reading about the abuse of human rights that went on living under an oppressive military junta. The extremes of the far right and the far left are never good, I can understand that generation are pretty disillusioned with fewer opportunities than we had in the past, but replacing a democratic system, albeit far from ideal in some respects, but the best the world has, with a hard line regime, theocracies/ military/secret police, well I guess you'd have to live under one to know that it sometimes takes a revolution and a lot of bloodshed to get rid of it. Right now I think a lot of young Iranians would trade places with counterparts in the west in a heartbeat. An example of an awful country for capital punishment.

Cossy

Cabowich

You know what? I think it should be brought back. With the proviso that the family of the victim should choose as to whether they want it to happen in their particular case.

At the moment, not faced with the issue, I like to think I would NOT choose to take another persons life.

However, I think it’s the worst idea ever to allow grieving, devastated families to make that kind of decision.

I think the Restorative Justice Process would be much more healing for families.. I agree with you Cossy

No. But what I have been thinking about is whether people who have sentences of over a certain length of years should be allowed to choose suicide or euthanasia rather than just rot in prison until they're too old to start a new life. I mean not until they've done a few years of their sentence.

The Moors murderer, Ian Brady, refused food in an attempt to end his life. He was force fed.

Chocolatelovinggran

The Moors murderer, Ian Brady, refused food in an attempt to end his life. He was force fed.

I didn't know and don't think they should have done that. I assume they couldn't have forced him to accept life saving medical care against his wishes. Goodness they don't force feed anorexics who aren't criminals, just ill.

Why should prisoners have the right to end their lives when we still lack the right to help to end our lives when facing dreadful illnesses

I agree, Whitewavemark. They would be allowed the easy way out, when people who are trapped in terrible pain but are not expected to die shortly just have to struggle on. Life imprisonment should mean exactly that, with no get-out clause.

I think I would like anyone given a full life tariff given the option to ask for assisted dying.

The money saved would be more beneficial to society than keeping someone on prison for fifty plus years

The argument against capital punishment and wrongful conviction wouldn't apply in certain cases e.g. lee rugby slaughtered in front of witnesses

Iam64

Why should prisoners have the right to end their lives when we still lack the right to help to end our lives when facing dreadful illnesses

I'd not condone assisted dying for prisoners in any but the same circumstances that look likely to be afforded to the general public, but if they wish to starve themselves to death then I don't agree with force feeding. Anyone outside a prison setting is able to starve themselves to death if they wish, or would you agree to force feeding anybody, even anorexics?

Trouble is if you do all that, you bring yourself down to their level. It's the same thing but it's state murder.

It will never happen. I'm on the fence on this one but if given
a life sentence it should mean just that. Until they take their last breath in prison.

I dont think it's at all the same thing as torturing someone, or beating them to death.

Rosie51

Iam64

Why should prisoners have the right to end their lives when we still lack the right to help to end our lives when facing dreadful illnesses

I'd not condone assisted dying for prisoners in any but the same circumstances that look likely to be afforded to the general public, but if they wish to starve themselves to death then I don't agree with force feeding. Anyone outside a prison setting is able to starve themselves to death if they wish, or would you agree to force feeding anybody, even anorexics?

Fred West managed to hang himself despite being on 30 minute watch. He used his clothing as a ligature.

If someone is so determined to end their life should we be obliged to stop them? West cheated the justice system but did save the taxpayer a lot of money.

No.

No

Yes I do think it is right, provided that DNA evidence could prove without doubt that the person is guilt. Personally I think it’s probably more inhumane keeping someone incarcerated for life, but then they have everything laid on for them, tv, library, gym, doctors etc
I think it is the ultimate punishment, but when I think of those innocent little girls and the thought of that evil man continuing to live my heart breaks.

I can't understand anyone thinking it would be a good thing.

pascal30

Cossy

Cabowich

You know what? I think it should be brought back. With the proviso that the family of the victim should choose as to whether they want it to happen in their particular case.

At the moment, not faced with the issue, I like to think I would NOT choose to take another persons life.

However, I think it’s the worst idea ever to allow grieving, devastated families to make that kind of decision.

I think the Restorative Justice Process would be much more healing for families.. I agree with you Cossy

But how do you know what grieving families would feel? You would have to have walked in their shoes to know that.

Personally, I wouldn't think the Restorative Justice Process would do any good at all. Restorative Justice is a contradiction in terms.

However, I can see problems resulting from families not agreeing on how the offender should be punished.

I agree Cabowich that would be a terrible burden to place on an already grieving family.

My knee jerk reaction to torture and murder of children would be capital punishment, but on reflection I'm not sure this is the answer.

Sago

No!

If a guilty prisoner opted to be euthanised then that’s OK with me.

Yes, I think that this is a good option.

Yes. Current DNA sampling is very successful and modern methods by lethal injection mean we would not be paying to keep murderers or child abusers in relative luxury (not afforded to their victims).