Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SlackDad
A 6 year old may know that murdering somebody is wrong but this will be a very absolute understanding. A more mature understanding would take into account different scenarios where indeed murder may not be wholly justified, but at least understood. Would a six year old be able to give a full answer to the question, is murder ever justified?
|
Hence why in Saudi their maturity is judged (not just their physical maturity), notice all those mentioned are over 13? Notice also that the article doesn't mention that 125 committed murder at 17, one did it at 13?
It also doesn't mention the cases where as you say, the courts deemed that the action by the accused was justified, or recieved a custodial rather than capital sentance.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SlackDad
No, I'm saying that they shouldn't be given the death sentence, especially if the crime was committed when very young.
|
Personally I agree that the death penatly shouldn't be used for the reasons I've already stated.
So how about life inprisonment instead?
Why should a 15 year old who beats another teenager to death because he didn't like the look of them (a case I know about) not get the same sentance as someone aged 30 doing the same thing, if both are deemed mature enough to know what they did was wrong and the consiquences?
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SlackDad
Because a line has to be drawn somewhere.
|
Yes, and while in Saudi they draw the line at the accused's actual level of maturity, we use an arbitary age where many criminals under that age are as aware of their wrong doings, as someone over that age, but get lighter sentances because of it.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by SlackDad
Well, i'm sure that makes those 126 on death row feel a whole lot better.
|
Probably does.