The death penalty is a theme that I have found myself revisiting on multiple occasions as part of my reflections upon the power-consolidating legal processes of state. As such I've had a fair amount of opportuntiy to think my thoughts through. ^_^
Agreed. The emotional self is the aspect that is more likely to act "with passion" and exact retribution if afforded a chanel to do so.
There is a high probability that once the initial passion of initiation subsides that the individual will cool and even recoil at what s/he would have begun and either abandon the effort or seek or conclude swiftly.
There is a possibility however that the act will either awaken darker aspects unknown to the self - or otherwise set up a self-sustaining process of sadistic pleasure - as after all - hatred may be defined as that state where one derives happiness from the misfortune of the subject concerned - and combined with a high dose of rage - all bets could be off in terms of that "justice-seeker" retaining his or her humanity in dealing out what s/he feels to be justified.
Alternatively the "passion" could subside and a cold-calculating curiosity might instead grip the heart of the "justice-seeker" - which is likely to turn out just as bad, or worse.
Do either of these scenes sound like those of a person of sound mind?
No - no it does not. And lusting to enlist somebody else's services to commit the deed for the self, or even wishing to spectate upon such is still to exist upon that spectrum.
The persons may need psychological help...
As once one begins to make exceptions where morales are concerned...
...well... one's morals are no longer consistent - and therein lies a greater danger than any killer within a cell.
It is after 4 am so I will not respond 'well' but, I feel that the human mind can overcome a hell of a lot of adversity. The worst experiences can be healed without adding to a chain of violence. However, most cannot see this as in their own experience, it is the way of the world.
The slippery slope is indeed a risk for any that step to the edge and I would err in forgiveness and jail time over punishment. The question of free will also arises on both sides of the equation and the assumption of guilt is based upon the assumption of control. A broken mind, is just that, broken. Should someone with epilepsy be punished because they refuse to control their body?
It was getting late enough for me also so I well understand your meaning (Steemit is a little addictive - and I should be doing other things...). :c)
When a person is immersed within a poorly environment without a better point of reference, that environment is for him or her the norm and thus is far less likely to question it.
Fortunately in this ever more connected World it is increasingly difficult to avoid such points of reference and while many a mind will remain closed - others will explore the alien possibilities.
This is a subject that I hope to address in the future but I do believe that remaining consistent in one's ways is paramount. If one feels inclined to make exceptions for this or that reason then either the nature or the extent of the "justice" concerned may be non-optimal - thus implying that exploration of a new equilibrium may be in order.
A person who is psychologically impaired or compelled to commit acts is a person who is a danger to society. While a condition may be viewed as a factor external to the individual for as far as choice is concerned - there should remain an element of accountability.
Yes, I am not saying they should walk free but I wonder if with the development of mental understanding, in the future there will be technological solutions to alter, repress or change certain aspects of the brain. Until then, lock them up humanely for to treat them otherwise is to lose humanity in ourselves.
I was just replying to @thatgermandude about the blind societal aspects to revenge and it is closely linked to that of honor killings in some communities.
This is an interesting topic, however horrible, and I am glad that you have taken the time to get into it a bit with me :)
That would make for the rise of an interesting set of options.
Technically we already have interesting options open to us.
I really wish that I had the time to fully immerse myself in this subject with both yourself and @thatgermandude, but I should be working on something else right now. :cP
That and I nuked my voting power over the past 24 hours. ^_^;;;
Incidentally I'd like to take this opportunity to urge readers to resteem this topic (I can only resteem once). Its a very intriguing subject. :c)