Single Idea 21088

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / D. Justice / 3. Punishment / a. Right to punish]

Full Idea

All murderers …must suffer the death penalty. This is what justice, as the idea of judicial power, wills in accordance with universal laws of a priori origin.

Gist of Idea

Justice asserts the death penalty for murder, from a priori laws

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals I: Doctrine of Right [1797], §49 Gen E)

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'Political Writings', ed/tr. Reiss,Hans [CUP 1996], p.157


A Reaction

Illustration of how giving a principle an a priori origin puts it beyond dispute. Kant is adamant that mercy mustn't interfere with the enactment of justice. And Kant obviously rejects any consequentialist approach. Remind me what is wrong with murder?