Death penalty in the UK, yes or no???

[Koupe]

For those that would like a death sentence but only for crimes with 'unquestionable' guilt, where would you draw the line with regard to proof? Out of genuine interest?

OK, so the Lee Rigby case is an obvious one, being filmed, witnessed by several people, and freely admitted to. I guess you could also include anyone who makes a full confession, on the basis that very few (sane) people would actively want an undeserved death sentence. Also anyone who runs risers with barends.

What about cases hinging on DNA evidence? It's infallible in itself, but can you guarantee that no errors were made in collection, processing and analysing? Or cases with 'respectable' witnesses who have no apparent reason to lie? What about 'diminished responsibility' cases (or whatever they're called now) - how much guilt would you need?

I'm not arguing the toss, as I don't agree with it at all, I'm just interested in the reasoning.

 

[The History Man]

I can think of numerous cases of unquestionable guilt that I would happily execute. Brady, hindley, sutcliffe, Nilson, neilson, Manson, pitchfork, Huntley. That's without trying too hard.

 

[Koupe]

Fair enough, but they did all confess (I can't think of any notable serial killers that haven't confessed at some point, for that matter), and I imagine you'd want to 'extract' the burial details from Brady before flipping the switch.

 

[The History Man]

I don't think a switch would be appropriate.

Feed them to sharks James Bond style, lowered on a winch. Live and let die I think it was.

 

[highlandsflyer]

We don't put people to death. That says something about us.

That we're weak.

You think having the death penalty makes all those other countries 'strong'?

 

[hamster]

I can't think of any country with the death penalty that has particularly high standards of justice.

As countries without the death penalty also enjoy very low murder rates, it would suggest that something else is at play. The murder rate in the USA is 3x that of the UK...

 

[Bpool77]

I spent time with this fella always maintained his innocence ( yer yer as every convicted prisoner I've met says) done me proud looked after me through my sentence and look ?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-me ... e-12065854

Now he was f...kd on release not a clue where life had gone or turnd.

 

[Bats]

The thing about killing people is if it achieves anything or not.

If someone's going to blow your head off, and you kill him first, fair enough. You've just saved your own life.

But to give someone the death penalty is another matter. 'Cause to give them that, they've already been arrested and put in prison. If they're already in prison they can't get up to anything.

And the death penalty is always weird, and creepy. Spending time on death row, last meals, getting walked to the chair, last words...

If you're so 100% sure someone should die, then just do it! Don't drag it out endlessly with creepy rituals. What's the point of going over the last meal, the head shaving, the whole business with the executioner? If it's execution day, it should only take one bullet and one second! You wouldn't even need to get him out of bed.

 

[Bats]

In the context of the thread is would be clear to the 99% who I was talking about. Murdering scum who butchered a innocent soldier in the name of Allah.

"innocent soldier" is an oxymoron.

Soldiers carry guns. What do you think they use them for?

 

[highlandsflyer]

In the context of the thread is would be clear to the 99% who I was talking about. Murdering scum who butchered a innocent soldier in the name of Allah.

"innocent soldier" is an oxymoron.

Soldiers carry guns. What do you think they use them for?

That is pathetic.

The majority of soldiers involved in peace keeping missions and policing missions use their weapons for protection.