Say Killed Quote by Helen Prejean
““Patrick had asked why people wanted to kill Mr. Sonnier. "Because they say he killed people," Bill had answered. "But, Dad"," Patrick had asked, "then who is going to kill them for killing him?" (p. 60)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Dead Man Walking, 1993
A question about who will punish those who kill a murderer highlights moral ambiguity in vengeance.
In simple terms: Who will punish those who kill a murderer?
Key Takeaway
Consider the cycle of violence.
Themes
justice
violence
morality
Mood
somber
questioning
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- legal system
- prison reform
- restorative justice
- personal revenge
Key Concepts
ethics
retributive justice
Questions to Reflect On
- Who decides the right to punish?
- Is revenge ever justified?
A Different Perspective
Vigilantism can perpetuate harm.
![“A king will say 'I killed thousands of people'. He is simply doing egoism; he is taking pleasure in taking credit of doership (garva ras). They were killed by those who were on the battle field. Why does the king needlessly take on the liability [of new karmic causes]? In doing so, those who did…” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/41f/dada-bhagwan-31_doership_a-king-will-say-i-killed-thousands-of-pe_1662131.jpg)
![“The prospect that a person will be killed according to the policy he promulgates prompts the [priest] to urge clemency, an incomprehensible position logically.” quote by Helen Prejean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6b2/helen-prejean-19524_quote_the-prospect-that-a-person-will-be-kille_914082.jpg)
