Capital punishment is a phenomenon resulting from different cultures and different religions. The abolition of the death penalty in Western Europe is mainly attributed to its unique Christian civilization. Christians believes that life is given by God and should not be taken away by a temporal power. This belief has been fundamental to the abolition of capital punishment in European countries. This is why most countries which have abolished the death penalty are Christian countries. Other countries have abrogated the death penalty in order to join the EU or improve their relations with the EU. Turkey is a good example.

Abolition of the death penalty is not necessarily related to the level of civilization. Among 16 states of the US which have abolished death penalty, Wisconsin, Michigan and Alaska, although underdeveloped and rural, were first to abolish the penalty. 'Civilized' New York did not change the law until 2007, 154 years after Wisconsin.

The death penalty does not mean indiscriminate slaughter. The abolition of the death penalty does have validity: the death penalty has limited deterrence; it makes it impossible to redress injustices. But in China the problem is how to settle the dispute between jurists and grass-roots. In theory, jurists believe everyone is equal before law. But some Chinese confuse law with reason.

The Rule of Law cannot be achieved simply based on administrative power. It needs social identity. Law is a sort of balance of order, security and safety. The abolition of the death penalty requires giving consideration to public opinion.

This article was edited and translated from 《中国社会还不到废除死刑的时候》, source: China Youh Daily, Author:Chu Yin

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