Peter Moore argues against the death penalty following a tragic murder case.
Taylor: After Axel Rudakubanu killed three young girls at a Taylor Swift dance party, many want the death penalty back. It’s a strong emotional response.
But, looking closer, this reaction is illogical and risky. Rudakubanu received a 52-year sentence, which is a minimum. He might be released at 70, but that’s not guaranteed.
Even when the death penalty existed, it didn’t apply to anyone under 18. So, it wouldn’t have affected Rudakubanu. Punishment should be based on logic, not revenge.
Justice based on revenge can harm society. The goal of punishment should be to lower crime rates. Studies show the death penalty doesn’t achieve this.
Countries with the death penalty don’t have lower murder rates than those without. For example, Europe has no death penalty but similar or lower rates.
Reintroducing the death penalty won’t lower murder rates. In fact, in 2010, states with the death penalty in the USA had a 25% higher murder rate.
Some of the worst murders come from terrorists with strong beliefs. They see dying as a way to become martyrs. Executing them gives them the attention they want.
When IRA terrorists went on hunger strikes, it boosted their cause. Imagine if they had been executed instead. It would have fueled their supporters even more.
After a murder, we should focus on the victims and their families. With a death penalty, there would be long appeals and media attention on the murderer’s family.
Picture the execution day: crowds outside the prison, families crying, and massive media coverage. It shifts focus away from the victims.
Wrongful convictions are a real concern. Our legal system isn’t perfect. Think about cases like the Guildford Four. They were innocent but could have faced execution.
Who would carry out the execution? In the USA, doctors can’t be involved. Pharmaceutical companies won’t supply the drugs needed for lethal injections.
In the UK, it’s likely doctors would refuse to participate too. We also lack qualified executioners. The crimes committed by Rudakubanu were horrific.
As a grandparent, it’s hard to hear such news. Rudakubanu is only 18 and will likely spend his life in prison. He’ll be remembered as a child killer.
He’ll fade into obscurity in jail. We don’t need the death penalty; this is a fate worse than death.
