I am for it, on an *extremely limited* basis.
If guilt can be proved, totally and absolutely beyond doubt, there are some crimes that, in my book, deserve it.
These would include *serial* pedophiles and murderers.
^^ I totally feel the opposite. *background because this is a touchy subject*: One of my friends committed suicide around the age of 10-11ish from being attacked from a serial paedophile (because all the loosers called him 'fagboy' 'faggot' because he was attacked and raped). Anyway, enough of that.. Jakoz (and others), are you aware that most serial killers and paedophiles do not realise they are doing wrong. Most of these people (and proven via psychiatric analysis) simply do not think they are doing anything wrong by their morals. These people need SERIOUS help, but at the end of the day, they for the most are not going out to hurt people on purpose. I studied this for many years and have strong views on this. I guess thats why Ed Gein is tattooed on me, but thats another story.
These people simply think that killing people is just a normal urge that needs to be filled and for the most part, do not question it as we do not question taking a piss 'when we need to'. It is very sad, but it is also truth. And I believe emotion gets in the way of this sad topic. Of course, you have to find out if the people know right from wrong. I think the person who goes out and does tags/steals heandbags is a lot worse _morally_ because these people know they are doing wrong from right but still choose to do it.
Anyway, thats just a VERY small view of what I have, but I really felt the need to voice it. Yes, I may be flamed for it, but at least I am voicing from what I think, an educated opinion.
some reference urls
http://www.crimelibrary.com/serials/what/whatmain.htm
http://dir.yahoo.com/Society_and_Culture/Crime/Types_of_Crime/Homicide/Serial_Killers/
and if I have offended anyone in any _great_ amount, I am sorry..
I am truely a nice person
And Im still debating myself if I should put any other input to this.. Its a very close topic to my heart.. Just because I studied this literally for years...
[ 16 May 2002: Message edited by: wazza ]