Would you support the death penalty in the UK?

**Lilybett** · 24-05-2012, 09:35am

No. As others have said, it acts as no deterrent in the countries that do have it and there is far too much margin for error with our current justice system.

**BonnieTyler** · 24-05-2012, 09:38am

No, most definitely not. I do think they should have far more stricter sentences though, especially for the most heinous crimes. Life should mean life, (for as long as the criminal is alive), without the chance of parole, in a high maximum secure prison, in solitary confinement.

**BonnieTyler** · 24-05-2012, 09:41am

Originally Posted by WoollyNewty

Before this country gets bogged down in endless wrangling over death sentences it should try doing more about the rate of successful rape prosecutions.

I totally agree with you on that.

**Roseyposey** · 24-05-2012, 09:52am

I wouldn't support it, no. Not that I've been in prison and I suppose I can't make an informed decision about it, but I have a friend that has been in and it seems fairly cushty. I suppose it depends on what you've done. In his case it was good as he took qualifications, and even had a job while he was in and he drove to that job!

I do feel that prison means prison and shouldn't be taken lightly and people definitely need to serve longer sentences.

When I was very young I was "assaulted" me (for want of a better word) by someone and I didn't go to the police as I just couldn't bear going through it all. Looking back, I should have.

On a slightly different angle - what do you think of Saddam Hussein and Bin Laden being killed then - is that ok?

**Chickenlips** · 24-05-2012, 09:55am

Originally Posted by Damsella

Just coming back to say, if anybody did any of the things you listed in your OP I would want to kill them, slowly and painfully.

But I don't think the State should behave like that.

The reason in posted the original thread was because of the 20 year old who was sentenced yesterday for killing his girlfriend. There was no doubt that he did it, yet only got 16 years for it, he'll be 36 when he gets out, still young enough to have a life and a family. I can't believe the state thinks that sentence is all her life was worth.

There's also the crimes that I will never forget, like Sarah Payne and Holly and Jessica, there is no doubt that the people who killed these children are behind bars, but there crimes are so heinous that I don't feel it's enough. I don't believe the death penalty is the answer, but these prisoners, who have committed the most abhorrent crimes should surely suffer more? I really like the idea of hard labour - it will never happen though

instead as a state we will continue to give them their free bed and board, their play stations Sky TV etc.

**Roseyposey** · 24-05-2012, 09:57am

Originally Posted by Chickenlips

I really like the idea of hard labour - it will never happen though

instead as a state we will continue to give them their free bed and board, their play stations Sky TV etc.

I agree with this (as mentioned in my post) It does seem they have an easy time of it.

**frannybaby** · 24-05-2012, 10:10am

I think its hypocritical to support the death penalty. Its like saying that its abhorrent when an individual commits murder but its somehow just when the State does? Either killing someone is OK or not OK, it shouldn't depend on who ends the life.

Also, I think its open to error. I would hate to think of innocent people being executed.

Finally, I think people who are marginalised or who can't afford a decent lawyer are much more likely to end up on Death Row than people who can mount a better defense. Therefore I would be unsure that Justice would be entirely blind in this situation...

**Poppopity** · 24-05-2012, 10:10am

My head says no but then I think of Brady, Huntley, West etc and say hang the lot of them. When a truly horrendous act has been committed and no remorse shown, what can you do? They are costing us a fortune.

We could of course put a stop to all this respecting their human rights niceness, drag them out of solitary confinement and see how long they last.

It's a tough one. Maybe it should be up to the Victim's next of kin to make the decision.

**Raspberry beret** · 24-05-2012, 10:39am

No - it doesn't work, there is a risk of error and 2 wrongs don't make a right.

Originally Posted by Damsella

Just coming back to say, if anybody did any of the things you listed in your OP I would want to kill them, slowly and painfully.

But I don't think the State should behave like that.

ITA with this.

**scatterbrain** · 24-05-2012, 11:10am

I don't think I believe in the death penalty, but I don't believe the justice system is working in it's current form either. People responsible for the types of crimes you listed should be punished & not just have their freedom removed for a couple of years!

I may well think differently if anyone ever hurt the girls. I think the victim /victims families should be involved in a committee to discuss fair punishment when reforms are made.