Bunch Quote by John C. McAdams
“If we execute murderers and there is in fact no deterrent effect, we have killed a bunch of murderers. If we fail to execute murderers, and doing so would in fact have deterred other murders, we have allowed the killing of a bunch of innocent victims. I would much rather risk the former. This, to me, is not a tough call.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public policy debate on capital punishment, 2000s
Choosing execution over inaction avoids killing innocent people, even if it means killing some guilty ones.
In simple terms: Prefer execution to prevent innocent deaths.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize protecting the innocent.
Themes
ethics
justice
policy
deterrence
Mood
serious
reflective
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- criminal justice reform
- legislative hearings
- public opinion polls
- media analysis
Key Concepts
capital punishment
risk assessment
consequentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- Is it morally acceptable to sacrifice some to save many?
- What evidence supports deterrence?
A Different Perspective
Assumes execution actually deters crime, which is contested.
