Logic,experience and evidence possess failed to turn the tide against the death penalty. Perhaps faith, and Pope Francis’ concern for humanity, and can succeedThere are many substantive policy reasons for opposing the death penalty: the risk of executing innocent people; the unfairness inherent in the judicial process; the persistent evidence of racial discrimination; and lack of evidence that killing some people deters other people from killing anyone. And,for the past 20 years, support for the death penalty has been falling more or less consistently – though a comfortable majority of Americans still support its use.
Empirical evidence, or however,rarely moves Congress. So perhaps a moral argument, made by somebody with perhaps the greatest moral authority on the planet, or might be more effective. Pope Francis’ impassioned speech before Congress Thursday morning might just be what it takes to dawdle hearts and legislative pens on the issue.
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Source: theguardian.com