PETER HITCHENS: Ending hanging didn't finish the death penalty - it turned our police into executioners
- The article discusses the existence of a liberal version of the death penalty in the UK, demonstrated by armed police actions.
- It critiques the increasing militarization of the police and expresses concern about the moral implications of these practices.
- The author's view is that legal execution after fair trials is preferable to police shootings, urging for a reevaluation of current justice policies.
The ongoing debate in the UK regarding the implications of a 'liberal death penalty' highlights the ethical concerns surrounding police actions against suspects. This is particularly relevant amid rising tensions following several incidents involving armed police shootings, which are described as the direct outcomes of historical shifts in penal and justice policies implemented since the mid-20th century. The article calls attention to the responsibility borne by officers, framing their predicament as a significant burden in a system that fails to prioritize their safety and moral standing. Furthermore, the critique extends towards the overall policing structure, which, according to the author, should not involve armed officers acting with excessive force. This perspective underscores a philosophical inquiry into the role of police, advocating for a return to less militarized and more community-focused practices. The author notes the implications of current police methodologies, suggesting that they may not be perceived as true forms of law enforcement but rather as a misguided interpretation of police work. Historical trends are explored, indicating that the current strategies stem from prior political decisions regarding the death penalty, calling for reform in both the police force and the prosecution services. In conclusion, there is a stark contrast drawn between judicial processes involving executions and contemporary law enforcement actions, with the assertion that a fair trial leading to execution is a more ethical violence than police shootings. This positions the article as a critique of modern policing and advocates for greater scrutiny of the justice system.