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The law which attempts a man's life [capital punishment]…

“The law which attempts a man's life [capital punishment] is impractical, unjust, inadmissible. It has never repressed crime--for a second crime is every day committed at the foot of the scaffold.” quote by Marquis de Sade
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“The law which attempts a man's life [capital punishment] is impractical, unjust, inadmissible. It has never repressed crime--for a second crime is every day committed at the foot of the scaffold.”

Marquis de Sade

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Capital punishment is deemed ineffective and immoral, as it fails to reduce crime and perpetuates daily loss of life.

In simple terms: Execution doesn’t stop crime; it’s unjust.

Key Takeaway

The death penalty is impractical and unethical.

Themes

criminal justice ethics human rights punishment

Mood

critical sober

Type

philosophical argument social critique

When to use this quote

  • legislative reform discussions
  • human rights advocacy

Key Concepts

deterrence theory state violence

Practical Applications

  • policy critique
  • public education

Questions to Reflect On

  • Does the death penalty truly deter crime?
  • What alternatives could replace it?
A Different Perspective

Some argue that certain crimes warrant capital punishment as a deterrent or retributive justice.

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