Why capital punishment should be outlawed.

http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2009/09/07/090907fa_fact_grann?currentPage=1


The story at the end of the link tells of a Cameron Todd Willingham who was sentenced to death in Texas for allegedly setting his home on fire to kill his three children. He always maintained his innocence. The decision of his guilt was based on statements of witnesses based on his behavior after the fire had started as well as a arson "expert" who said it was definitely arson. Only after a pen pal for inmates got to know him and looked further into his case was it determined that witness had changed their recollection of the events multiple times, a person who reported a confession changed his story multiple times, an a world renowned arson expert ruled the fire natural. Cameron never wavered on his innocence, On February 17, 2004 Cameron Todd Willingham was executed by lethal injection. After his execution 3 other well-respected independent forensic experts ruled the fire was not arson leading to the possibility he may be there first person to be rule having been executed by the state as a innocent man.



I am firmly against Capital Punishment, yes there are crimes so heinous that the perpetrator likely deserves to die, but who decides what is punishable by death and are there exceptions? Additionally it is more expensive to execute a prisoner because of the long appeals process that would not be present if they were simply convicted to life in prison. I think that the underlying value that people put on the death penalty is rooted in revenge. As a Christian I believe that although vengeance is a very natural response to violent crime, forgiveness is a higher goal that we should achieve. This does not mean dismissing the crimes committed but realizing that true justice is not brought by the death of another person at another human hands. True justice is executed by the Creator who says

Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12: 17-21.