Reply #21: No

[dave_p]

I can't imagine celebrating anyone's execution. I can imagine circumstances in which I might welcome the death of someone who's otherwise going to spread murder and misery, but a prisoner facing execution's unlikely to be in that position.

I don't even see execution as necessarily a harsher punishment then the alternative of life imprisonment; rather, it degrades all involved without necessarily offering "justice" for the severest crimes that it claims to punish - crimes for whose severity justice may indeed be impossible.

It isn't necessary for prevention, is of questionable deterrent value, doesn't necessarily punish well, soils all concerned, and appeals to the very bloodlust it claims to check. It fails on every count, and anyone not personally affected by the crime should be ashamed of themselves for reveling in it.