Capital Punishment from the Ethical Perspective

The issue of capital punishment has been discussed very often and for a long time and this discussion has not resulted in definite answers so far. In the Christian tradition, the capital punishment has been legitimate for a long time. In comparison with the previous attitude, we can see an advance in the Church teaching of the 2nd Vatican council. In ethical discussions the pros and cons are discussed and arguments against the capital punishment begin to prevail. The legitimacy of capital punishment is connected with social, cultural, political and economical development.

Keywords: Capital punishment; Ethics