Quote:
Originally Posted by Ender
Civil rulers determine what punishments to impose. That does not mean that the punishments they inflict are in fact commensurate with the crimes. The severity of a crime does not change from one place or time to another and neither should the punishment.
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The end of your last sentence would be an ideal. However, regardless of the severity of a crime, the level of punishment for a crime is wholly up to the imperfect civil authorities. Hanging children for theft is certainly a case where the punishment does not fit the crime. The "Three Strikes and You're Out" laws in some states has caused some injustices. There may never be a perfect fit between crime and punishment. We are imperfect people and it's part of being human. I would say that even if the burden of imposing and carrying out death sentences were shifted to the Catholic Church, mistakes would sometimes be made, howsoever perfect the Church is.
I do agree, however, that some punishments as doled out are not commensurate with a crime; some people get a short sentence for robbery, some get the book thrown at them. There are harsh judges, and some easy ones - "Let 'em Loose Bruce" in NYC some decades ago comes to mind. A man may be convicted of Capital Murder when 3rd Degree Murder would be more appropriate.
One thing is certain. A lesser sentence doesn't leave an innocent person dead if a mistake in sentencing and execution is later uncovered.
Re: Wrong man executed in Texas (1989)
Jesus, my love for You knows no bounds. I would have sat in jail with You, worn the crown of thorns, help carry the cross and have nails pounded into my flesh. I WILL ALWAYS LOVE AND GLORIFY YOU for what You did for us willingly.
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