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.... of virtue ethics if the motive

behind capital punishment is retribution rather than the protection of the innocent?

Whereas the need to protect law abiding members of society justifies the removal of

violent criminals from society through their imprisonment, capital punishment raises

much narrower issues of comparative rights as well.


Specifically, what is the basis of the right of society to impose punishment beyond

that associated with the minimum necessary effect on the criminal? Is capital punishment

justified by Kantian principles if it is cheaper to society than providing for the lifelong

care of violent criminals? What if it is only very slightly less expensive?

Furthermore, if capital punishment is ethically justified, what other ethical

obligations apply to its implementation? In that regard, capital punishment also raises

ethical issues unique to American Society. Various objections to capital punishment

hinge on religious beliefs. On the other hand, the American justice system does not

recognize religious principles. .

Capital punishment also raises numerous ethical issues pertaining to the

likelihood of errors in its administration. Lethal injection, for example, causes

excruciating pain and a slow death from prolonged suffocation instead of instantaneous

death if it is performed incorrectly. If suffering of this

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