Is Capital Punishment Legal?

[grandpa]

Quote by: ThoughtCriminal I would imagine that death threats would be a nearly last resort, but maybe that's just me.

Well, laws are typically enforced under threat of arrest and punishment. So, regarding the government, I wouldn't call threats against life and livelihood "a last resort." I think it is wrong, but that's how they generally function.

Grandpa h.

[ThoughtCriminal]

Quote by: grandpa Well, laws are typically enforced under threat of arrest and punishment. So, regarding the government, I wouldn't call threats against life and livelihood "a last resort." I think it is wrong, but that's how they generally function. Grandpa h.

If you want the rights of a citizen, you need to accept accountability for your actions, which means that you fully expect to be imprisoned or otherwise punished for your crimes. What's the alternative?

TC

[grandpa]

Quote by: ThoughtCriminal If you want the rights of a citizen, you need to accept accountability for your actions, which means that you fully expect to be imprisoned or otherwise punished for your crimes. What's the alternative?

A lot of "crimes" people needn't be held accountable for. And violent, anti-scocial behavior is indeed a problem, but threatening freedoms by establishing a police state and prison-industrial complex won't solve it.
The state is the most violent and anti-social crime of all. In fact, prisons are not even putting a stop to gang crimes. Furthermore, many crimes are committed by people with mental illnesses. These can sometimes be addressed by medication and various therapies. Other than that, we can abolish capitalism and end property-related crimes. There's no good reason a candy bar should be valued more than years of somebody's life.

Grandpa h.

[ThoughtCriminal]

Quote by: grandpa A lot of "crimes" people needn't be held accountable for. And violent, anti-scocial behavior is indeed a problem, but threatening freedoms by establishing a police state and prison-industrial complex won't solve it. The state is the most violent and anti-social crime of all. In fact, prisons are not even putting a stop to gang crimes. Furthermore, many crimes are committed by people with mental illnesses. These can sometimes be addressed by medication and various therapies. Other than that, we can abolish capitalism and end property-related crimes. There's no good reason a candy bar should be valued more than years of somebody's life. Grandpa h.

I've never said that we should imprison people for victimless crimes, or even imprison them excessively for minor crimes. I've also never suggested that prisons should be limited to isolation and punishment; rehabilitation and education better serve our goals. And, yes, if someone is dangerous because they're nuts, we'll get further treating that problem than we would punishing them.

TC

[grandpa]

Quote by: ThoughtCriminal I've never said that we should imprison people for victimless crimes, or even imprison them excessively for minor crimes. I've also never suggested that prisons should be limited to isolation and punishment; rehabilitation and education better serve our goals.

Then we somewhat agree. My point was that prisons are a joke; a sick joke.

Here's a perfect example of why I say this:
Jail House Horror In The Land Of Free

This month the Clinton administration.... conceded that the record was not perfect and that many jails were badly over- crowded. One of the most startling cases is currently unfolding in a trial in California. Last week, the 12 jurors heard testimony in the trial of eight guards at Corcoran prison who are accused of arranging gladiator fights between rival gang inmates and then shooting them. One officer, Timothy Dickerson, allegedly rang a firebell beforehand and announced to inmates: "Let's get ready to rumble."

Grandpa h.