In This Selection Bedau First Draws an Analogy Between Self-Defense

question 13

True/False

In this selection Bedau first draws an analogy between self-defense and the death penalty. Just as in defending ourselves we are to use no more force than is necessary to prevent harm, so in punishing criminals we are to use no more violence than is necessary to adequately punish the criminal. Bedau then argues that neither the deterrence nor the retributive argument for capital punishment is a good argument. He thinks that the literal application of the lex talionis is barbaric and that long-term imprisonment is adequate punishment.
-Bedau points out that determining whether the death penalty is an effective deterrent is very difficult.

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Definitions:

Immediate Danger

A situation or condition presenting a direct and urgent threat to safety or life, requiring immediate action to prevent harm.

Overdose

The ingestion of a substance in quantities greater than recommended, leading to severe adverse reactions or toxicity.

Aversion Therapy

A type of behavioral therapy that involves associating an undesirable behavior with an unpleasant stimulus in order to reduce or eliminate that behavior.

Alcohol Use Disorder

A medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite negative social, occupational, or health consequences.