by Anthony Megna

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: May 13, 2012

Why not ask the victim or the family of the victim of a violent crime how they would like to see justice?  For instance, if the victim or victims' family decides to put the criminal behind bars for life, then so be it. However, there will be some victims that want the death penalty and that is the least we can do to satisfy the victim and the terrible nightmare they have gone through. Think about this idea.

The punishment is proportionate to the suffering of the victim or the family of the victim. At least they get the benefit of having the last word on what should be done with the criminal. It really doesn't matter what the public thinks, as they (the victim's family) were directly affected by the crime. The victim and/or family should have all the say in this matter. The criminal has no say whatsoever if found guilty.

Some people believe the death penalty stops crime. And it does for the person being put to death. We know they will never kill again, right? Also, why should the tax-paying public shell out their hard-earned dollars to keep a murderer alive? It is tough enough in this economy to make ends meet rather than keeping a criminal with food and shelter and television year after year.

Other people believe that the death penalty is cruel and unusual punishment and that is their right to believe that. After all, this is America and we have a right to believe what we wish.

But it all comes down to how the victim and family would like to see the punishment meted out. This involves not only their belief, but there is revenge thrown in for good measure. Sometimes the accused makes his or her peace with the victims' family, and that is fine. But it is the victim and family that decide what to do with the accused murderer.
Shouldn't that be the way. Where am I going wrong here?

Of course, we still need the courts to decide the guilt first. But if found guilty, then the affair is turned over to the people that ultimately got hurt.

Why don't we put this to a vote. Why can't we organize a grass-roots campaign to finally put this matter to rest? Shouldn't the people that got hurt decide the fate? Isn't that the least we can do as a society? Wouldn't this put closure on the whole issue?

These are important questions that need to be addressed in today's society. Maybe some good will come from all of this. At least this is another option that can be looked at.

Learn more about this author, Anthony Megna.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.