Citizens Quote by Cesare Beccaria
“The punishment of death is the war of a nation against a citizen whose destruction it judges to be necessary or useful.”
About This Quote
Source Book: On Crimes and Punishments, Cesare Beccaria, 1764
The state’s use of capital punishment is a deliberate act of violence against a citizen deemed expendable.
In simple terms: State kills as war against a citizen.
Key Takeaway
Question the morality of state‑sanctioned killing.
Themes
justice
state power
ethics
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- criminal justice reform
- human rights advocacy
- public policy debates
Key Concepts
social contract
deterrence
human rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Is killing ever justified by the state?
- What alternatives exist to protect society?
A Different Perspective
Capital punishment can be seen as a tool of oppression, not merely deterrence.
