One segment of Billy Bud that the class seemed to find particularly interesting was the deliberation scene. After completing the movie, we began discussion about that trial and its significance. Two main points of interest that were considered were Danskurt's quote and the difference between justice and the law. We reflected on how everyone on the ship felt guilty, in one way or another, for the death of Billy. However, although we agreed that justice and the law should go hand in hand, it seemed that this movie did not represent this point. Are there any instances today where this still applies? Or has the law evolved to more fairly handle criminals?
Mike B.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
This debate incorporates the controversial issue of the death penalty. In the law of the time, murder is reciprocated by death. In theory of justice, killing another human being is not acceptable by most people. This idea is woven into religion, personal values, and social mores. Thus, the death penalty is usually looked at as a last option, rather than the preferred.
-Jen
In making such a hard decision, such as whether or not to apply the death penalty, I believe that it is more important to ask yourself what SHOULD I do rather than what can be done legally.
This re-evaluation process could also apply to the United States' decision to torture. Rather than thinking "is it moral/just to torture and should we really be doing this?" some US officials feel that if we can redefine torture (as a way of protecting US citizens) into making it look legal/constitutional, then therefore it is law and it must be done.
-Julie S
I definitely think that there shouldn't be solely a legal thought process for a matter so serious as this. When the death penalty is being contemplated, there should be some sort of moral apporoach as well. I mean sure what Billy did was wrong but I definitely don't think he was actually deserving of such a severe punishment. Under the law at that time though, that was the punishment for the crime he committed. These days I definitely think we have to look at more than just the written law and the penalties that go along with it. Justice isn't always served that way in my opinion.
Joe
I think that Julie makes a good point about redefining the terms to make things seem more constitutional. I think that torture is a good comparison for the death penalty. It evokes the same question: Just because we can, does it mean we should? We have been discussing this question through all of Hawthorne's stories. Aristotle once said "Even when laws have been written down, they ought not always to remain unaltered." I think that this relates to the discussion by bringing up that not just do laws change once they are written, but circumstances should also be taken into consideration.
Kelsey
Post a Comment