It is a perennial debate among conservatives: is the death penalty justice? Or a crime? Proponents of the death penalty support it for four main reasons. Rehabilitation, defense, deterrence, and retribution. Those who are handed the death penalty never reintegrate into society. Proponents argue that this knowledge stimulates conversion in a way that lifetime imprisonment does not. Some argue that while we all do not have the benefit of knowing the date we will be called home, those on death row do. Cardinal Dullus at Fordham university argues this can be a powerful tool of conversion for those who have committed the most serious crimes. 

Most commonly, proponents of the death penalty will argue that it allows the state to act on the doctrine of self defense. For those criminals whose criminal history makes them a severe danger to society, the death penalty can be the only way a society can protect itself. If one takes this position, however, one finds it difficult to find any justification for the death penalty in the developed world. This is the view expressed by Pope John Paul II in Evangelical Vitae where he made clear that “reasonable people may disagree.” This is also the view expressed by Aquinas and later Calvin during the reformation. Proponents will also argue that capital punishment deters crime. There is conflicting science as to this claim and as Camus points out in an essay, little logical evidence either. Why would someone willing to commit moral suicide ever shy away from physical death?

Finally, from a scriptural standpoint, retribution is used as justification. In principle, the graver the offense, the more severe the punishment. St. Thomas argued death can be a kindness because it prevents the wrongdoer from committing further sins. 

However, as Christians, we value life, and the intentional taking of another’s life is a grave matter. How, since the state possesses neither omniscience or omnipotence, can we both undertake such a grave matter and deprive someone of the time needed to make amends with God. Depending on your theory of justification, to be sanctified or justified takes time. The death penalty de facto strips time away. Additionally, the state has committed grievous errors in its administration of capital punishment. Can we really defend it?

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