NCJ Number
102941
Date Published
1985
Length
26 pages
Annotation
An analysis of the death penalty from a Christian standpoint considers Biblical statements that prohibit, mandate, or permit capital punishment; that specify the conditions under which a State may use the death penalty; and that specify the principles that should guide the State in its decisions.
Abstract
People who argue that the scripture mandates capital punishment cite Genesis, the Mosaic law, and passages from the New Testament. Opponents cite developments such as the atonement and the teachings of Christ. Still others believe that both the Old and New Testaments show that capital both the Old and New Testaments show that capital punishment is neither prohibited nor mandated. Christians who advocate capital punishment must show that it serves a purpose outweighing its finality. The United States currently observes some Biblical principles in practice. However, death penalty laws do not incorporate the Biblical principles of certainty of guilt, fairness, and reluctance. 22 footnotes.