This piece was awarded fourth prize in the Opinion Piece Category of the Create for Justice competition.

Introduction 

The death penalty is frequently viewed as a type of justice for the most extreme crimes – a final punishment that evens the score by ending the life of a criminal in retaliation. However, as we, along with many others, contemplate the true meaning of justice, we come to understand that justice involves more than just punishment. It concerns repairing, curing, and progressing as a community. Killing in the name of justice continues the cycle of violence and normalizes murder as a valid reaction to harm. As people, we can discover improved solutions that honor the sacredness of life and provide chances for redemption. Is it possible for us to move away from the traditional ‘eye for an eye’ mindset and consider other solutions that promote a safer, more empathetic society? 

Why retribution isn’t true justice 

When discussing justice, we frequently envision it as a process of finding equilibrium by ensuring that offenses are matched with appropriate consequences. Yet, this punitive system of justice does not tackle the underlying reasons for criminal behavior or present a way to assist in recovery. It views criminals as individuals beyond redemption, warranting only the severest punishments. What does it suggest about our society if we think that certain individuals cannot be saved? 

As empathetic individuals, we understand that humans are intricate beings. Factors such as situations, family background, and emotional well-being can all play a role in why a person decides to engage in criminal behavior. The complexities are not taken into consideration by the finality of the death penalty. Rather, it strips people of their humanity and diminishes them to their lowest point. This is the reason we should transition from a retribution-based model to one centered on restorative justice, emphasizing repairing harm, rehabilitating offenders, and offering closure to victims and their families. 

Alternatives to the death penalty: Restorative justice

Restorative justice provides a hopeful direction for the future. Rather than inquiring about punishment for this individual, restorative justice focuses on restoring and making amends. Picture a system in which culprits are not only punished, but also obliged to comprehend the consequences of their deeds, ask for forgiveness, and make amends by benefiting society. Criminals have the opportunity to engage in programs that offer schooling, counseling, and vocational instruction, enabling them to reestablish their lives. 

For instance, consider Norway’s correctional system that prioritizes rehabilitation over punishment. Their rates of committing crimes again are some of the lowest globally, demonstrating that showing respect and offering chances for self improvement can lead to transformation, even for individuals who have engaged in serious offenses. You and I would both concur that this method is more in tune with our common human values of understanding and kindness. 

The human cost of the death penalty 

It cannot be denied that certain crimes are extremely horrific and cause deep pain for victims and their families. Nevertheless, including one more fatality in the situation does not eliminate the suffering or revive a deceased family member. It simply shifts the responsibility of loss onto the executed person’s family, forming a new cycle of sorrow and rage. As humans capable of emotions, we recognize that every life lost creates an irreplaceable emptiness. 

Furthermore, the actual implementation of the death penalty is filled with mental anguish. People on death row frequently endure extended periods of isolation as they await their impending execution in a state of uncertainty. This extended pain, experienced by both the prisoner and their loved ones, benefits no one. Eliminating capital punishment would prevent families from enduring the prolonged pain of awaiting an execution and avoid causing more emotional distress. 

Justice that builds, not destroys

Viewing the death penalty as a resolution for the issue of violent crime is straightforward. However, the fact remains that it does not increase our safety. It is no more successful in preventing crime than life imprisonment with no possibility of parole. It sustains a culture of violence and implies that killing is an acceptable form of justice. But both of us understand that justice should create rather than harm. 

Eliminating the death penalty could reallocate resources to crime prevention, mental health services, and victim support. By investing in these sectors, we tackle the underlying reasons for criminal activity and genuinely enhance the safety of our communities. 

Conclusion: A call to our shared humanity 

As individuals, we have the ability to feel deep empathy and comprehension. We have the option to create a community that respects all lives, including those who have lost their way. Getting rid of the death penalty isn’t about forgiving crime; it’s about acknowledging that each individual has the possibility for a future. It’s about selecting hope instead of fear, empathy instead of revenge, and humanity rather than vengeance. The question that we need to consider is whether we will support a system that continues to promote death or if we will adopt a vision of justice that is truly deserving of the name.