It is more based on a 'do no evil' notion... Any human system will make mistakes, and the American 'justice' system is Guarenteed to make mistakes- racial and economic issues have been shown over and over to pervert the pursuit of justice. Too many innocent people have been convicted and later (decades later) exonerated.
Do I have any hope that a guy that rapes an 8 year old will one day see the error of his ways and become a decent human being? Nope, I will conceed it is POSSIBLE that such a creature may completely change and 'rehabilitate'- but to be honest I really dont care, I do not want that person to see the light of day again. EVER.
But what I also dont want is the flawed system deciding which citizens deserve to die in my name. I have seen just how flawed and corrupted that system can be... and when it comes to a decision that final, I dont think our justice system is qualified.
Off Topic » in reply to Perhaps a death penalty IS the sign of a civilized society.
I think we agree... My opposition to the death penalty isn't based on pollyanna do-good notions...