Do You Think the Family of a Murder Victim Should Have A Say in the Punishment

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   threekeysposted 8 years ago

   Do You Think the Family of a Murder Victim  Should Have A Say in the Punishment to be Given?
   
   What are your thoughts and feelings? Would it lead to a lynch mob mentality or...

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   MarieLBposted 8 years ago

   This is one of those tempters that is offered to those who are undergoing great stress, like a juicy fruit to one who is parched.  What choice do they have?  There is only one little step from giving the family of the victim the heavy task of deciding on punishment, and thence to a Lynch Mob Mentality. 
   
   In short we would be giving rein to unbridled emotional  release at the cost of unjust punishment. 
   
   We live in a civilized society that believes in adhering to laws formulated in a careful, logical, fair way. 
   
   Sometime these laws do not seem to be well formulated, but in that case how can we imagine that a group of people in the grip of grief and anger can do any better?

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Hard to make fair decisions when overwhelmed by hurt loss and anger.

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   tamarawilhiteposted 8 years ago

   Several reasons no.
   1. When they are angry and upset, someone may demand more than the death penalty like torture, too. And that isn't fair.
   2. When they have decided to take a high road and "forgive" the person, they too often say spare him. This is disrespectful to the value of the life that was taken. Execute the murderer to ensure they can't kill others in prison or upon escaping, and to serve as a warning to others NOT to kill.

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      In the heat of the moment I may feel a "yes" to the death penalty.However I choose not to have the death penalty exist. Enough people have been fasley accused and sent to their death. I am in favour of rehabilitation and doing some service payback.

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   chuckandus6posted 8 years ago

   I honestly believe that it should be Flat out Death penality for Murder,across the board,it has become something that can be turned into temporary insanity and ext.I dont think their should be excuses.If they were stricter it would not happen all the time like it does.I think that it should be up to the country the world to enforce it,although i am sure that the victims families would agree that no form of punishment would make their loss hurt any less.

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I understand that no one could understand the depth and extent one's grief and desire for revenge for the hurt. Both you and Tamara made good points and I still do not advocate the existence of the death penalty.

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      chuckandus6posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I respect your opinion , i just think if there was a grave consequence,Most people would fear this punishment and in most of the situations would not go through with it.

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   Cissy1946posted 8 years ago

   In a sense, they do. With the exception of California pre-sentence impact statements are allowed by the courts. In these statements the families of victims make the victim a person who was loved, had a life, and will be missed rather than just a name. I worked with victims of violent crimes back when victims rights were just beginning to make inroads in the justice system. I was a member of the original Stephanie Roper Committee and understand first hand the devastation and inspiration  that an inappropriate sentence from a stupid judge can cause. Victims have rights, rights that were fought for by the families and friends of other victims. So yes, I not only think families should have a say in the punishment of the criminal but I worked hard and helped give them that opportunity. Do I believe they should have the final decision? No, that belongs to the imperfect system that we must constantly work to improve.

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      Very very interesting cissy...working with those involved in violent crimes how did it impact you. Do you think in general violent crime makers are the result of relentless hardships in their lives? How do you see us humans now?

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      Cissy1946posted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I believe adults are responsible for their own behavior, the choices they make, and the consequences of that behavior and those choices. Everyone wants the benefits of being an adult but not everyone accepts the responsibility that goes with it.

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I like what you said cissy. Especially how you explained about it being a privilage to become an adult ; and how not everyone accepts the resposibilities that comes along with all the benefits it gives you. I know someone who needs to hear that.....

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   Miss Knowposted 8 years ago

   No.  Their reasoning would be laced with emotions and could be questioned later.   Also, it may be a very stressful experience to relive the situation over and over again.  They need to pray for healing and trust God to vindicate them.  If punishment demands death penalty then the authorities will award it.

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      threekeysposted 8 years agoin reply to this

      I, too, think it would be very very distressing to go over and over a horrible situation

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