From: den Otter (neosapient@geocities.com)
Date: Tue Nov 24 1998 - 10:45:02 MST
----------
> From: Brian D Williams <talon57@well.com>
> "Is the Death Penalty Extropian?"
Ah, the death penalty! One of my favorite topics...
I dunno whether it's Extropian (only Max knows ;-) , but it certainly
is rational.
> We welcome all comments on this, please state your reasons as
> thoroughly as you can.
>
> First of all, by definition, the death penalty is not murder.
Quite right.
> Murder: 1) to kill a person unlawfully and with malice. (Websters
> new world dictionary)
>
> Second,I feel that the death penalty is the appropriate punishment
> for the unlawful and malicious killing of a fellow human being.
Yes. I'd like to add that IMO, the punishment should fit the crime;
serial killers/mass murderers/people who tortured their victims etc.
should receive harsher death penalties than someone who kills
just one victim in a relatively humane way. I also support corporal
punishment for violent offenders, btw.
> I feel that the death penalty has it's problems however, it is
> often applied with a racial bias, and when it is decided upon, it
> takes too long to administer.
Of course, the whole justice system would have to be revised
before any executions can start.
Main changes:
--"insanity" plea is abolished.
--no age limit
--no gender/race/whatever bias
--convictions on hard evidence only, such as forensics,
video/audio footage (nation-wide camera system in public
places with central databanks)
--lay juries are abolished
--executions within a week or so after trial, unless hard
evidence is presented by the defence
--standard option of cryopreservation upon execution
--"manslaughter" as a result of aggression (like beating
someone up without intent to kill) or severe risk taking
(drunk driving, unsafe gun handling) is punished as
murder (death penalty).
--killing a cryonicist in such a way that his brain is
damaged beyond any conceivable repair (i.e. burning,
rotting to a pulp, exploding etc.) should be punished
especially severely (slow & painful death).
--same for destroying a brain in suspension
--(option) executions done publicly in sport stadiums
(tickets required), footage sold to commercial TV stations
etc. Money made by these means can help to finance the
justice system, and a part can go to (family of) the victims.
For good measure:
--all "victimless crimes" legalized. Police can focus on the real
crimes, and much less officers are needed (you save $$$).
--national (global?) DNA and fingerprint databank (for *all* citizens),
of course with very restricted access and firm penalties for abuse.
--jails must be automated. No physical contact between guards and
inmates or between the inmates themselves. 1 person per cell,
wholesome food and possibility for exercise, but no recreation.
Possibly self-sustained labor camps.
--massive centralized surveillance system, for evidence and prevention.
All government agents, including the police and judiciary, must wear
video/audio equipment at all times while on the job.
--heavily automated justice system (one for the whole country, or
better yet, world). Precedents are binding, as consequence is one
of the pillars of justice.(*)
--society (especially the economy) must be automated as much as
possible so that everyone can receive a decent standard of living
*without having to work*.
--the press is not allowed to reveal details of criminal investigations
and trials, unless cleared by the authorities. Names are only released
after sentencing.
--right to keep and bear arms
--right to kill intruders (on private property)
--right to kill in self-defense
--right to hold a duel (in specially designated places or on private
property that's sufficiently isolated. The entire event must be
recorded by camera, all involved must participate out of free will).
--people who fear that they might commit a (violent) crime because
of "urges", can get free treatment from the government.
(*)[Justice: punishing harmful acts in a consequent manner and so that
the punishment fits the crime]
> I do not feel deterrence is a prerequisite for it's existence, but
> I feel that if it was applied fairly, equitably, and quickly, it
> could have a deterrent effect.
Agreed. The surveillance system in combination with relatively
few but firmly enforced laws should virtually wipe out crime.
I bet that with a system like this you could even put Russia back
on its feet...
Conclusion: if you want to do capital punishment right, it has to
be part of a much larger package of progressive and rational
amendments. In the justice system as seen in for example
America today, I wouldn't recommend capital punishment.
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