A recent commentary in the Las Vegas Review-Journal argues that capital punishment serves as the highest defense of human dignity rather than a violation of it. The piece, written by Victor Joecks, contends that the value of something is reflected by the punishment given for destroying it, citing Genesis 9: "Whoever sheds human blood, by humans shall their blood be shed; for in the image of God has God made mankind."
Joecks addresses two common objections to the death penalty using recent cases. He points to the botched execution attempt of Christa Pike in Tennessee — who tortured and murdered Colleen Slemmer in 1995 — as an example of logistical challenges. Joecks argues these delays and complications are not inherent to capital punishment but are created by opponents who file endless judicial challenges and pressure drug companies to withhold execution drugs, citing Nevada's difficulty obtaining drugs for Scott Dozier as an example.
The commentary contrasts the difficulty of executing violent criminals with the prevalence of physician-assisted suicide in Canada, where nearly 16,500 people died from the practice in 2024. Joecks also references the pending military execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan, scheduled for December by firing squad.
Regarding moral objections, Joecks responds to a statement attributed to Pope Leo XIV on X calling the death penalty "inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person." While acknowledging this as a consistent pro-life stance, Joecks argues it is incorrect, noting God prescribed capital punishment in the Old Testament, such as the stoning of Achan in Joshua 7, which he says did not violate the commandment against murder.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
English (US)·