Capital
Punishment
Definition
It
is the society’s act of executing a person found guilty of committing a crime (heinous/capital)
considered as a threat to the welfare of the society. One example of capital
punishment is death penalty.
Common Reasons
·
Retribution
-
Vindication
of the rights of the victim
·
Reformation
-
Rehabilitation
of the criminal and the society
·
Deterrence
-
Discouraging
others from committing the same crime
Catholic Church on Suicide
·
The
Church recognizes that the state has the responsibility to protect its citizens
and it has the obligation within the justice system for true respect of human
dignity.
·
However,
Capital Punishment should not be used as an ordinary means within the State’s
penal system because:
1. Instead of
vindicating rights it seems to satisfy a spirit of vengeance/ revenge. It
encourages the cycle of violence.
2. It destroys any
chance to change.
3. There is no
conclusive proof that it deters others from committing serious crime.
·
The
Catholic Church teaching allows for the imposition of the death penalty for the
sake of the common good but only under
extreme conditions. Thus, capital punishment should not be used as an
ordinary means within the State’s penal system.
Reflection
•
What
are other possible and effective means which we have to observe and practice in
our justice system and in our society to prevent people from committing crimes?
Challenge
•
If bloodless means are sufficient to defend against
the aggressor and to protect the safety of persons, public authority should
limit itself to such means.
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REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:
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|
o
Miranda, Noel P. and Javier, Philip S.
III. Called to Follow Christ in True Freedom. Ateneo de Manila
University: SIBS Publishing House, Inc., 2006
o
Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the
Philippines. Catechism for Filipino Catholics. 2006
o
Astorga, Ma. Christina A., Ph.D. Living
the Faith Option: Christian Morality. Quezon City: FNB Educational,
Inc.2005
o
Vincent J. Genovesi, S.J. In Pursuit of
Love
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