Absolute Human Rights and the Right to Life (Article 3)

Should they be treated the same? Kate Mountbatten-Windsor (Middleton) Duchess of Cambridge Anders Breivik Mass murderer (killed 77)

Should people who commit crimes be treated differently to those who do not? Stand Up = YES Sit Down = NO To what extent should they be treated differently? Can we go too far?

What form of punishment has been illegal in the UK since a legal Act was passed in 1965? It is currently still legal in many countries across the world. What is it?

Capital Punishment Capital punishment, also known as the death penalty, is the execution of a person by the state as punishment for a crime. Is this a step too far? Should we kill criminals for their crimes? Key Question Does the right to life apply to everyone everywhere all of the time?

Context for Evaluating The Right to Life (UDHR Article 3) No-one can take away your life UK Law capital punishment is currently illegal UK Public Opinion 51% want capital punishment legalised in cases of murder In cases where a child or police officer is murdered this goes up to over 60% (with child murder being seen as the most necessary) Source:

Opinion Lines We are going to see over this unit if your opinion about capital punishment changes or not. Mark your initial opinion (write “1st opinion”) on the bottom of the sheet and briefly write why.

Brainstorm In your book, write down as many types of capital punishment as you can think of. Capital Punishment

Burning at the stake

Crucifying

Beheading

Stoning – used as part of Shariah Law in some Muslim nations

Hanging – used in 2 US States.

Firing squad – used in 2 States.

Guillotine

Gas chamber – used in 5 States.

Lethal injection – used in 37 States.

Article 3 – the Right to Life 97 countries have abolished capital punishment because of human rights and the UN. There is increasing pressure for more countries to follow. Article 3 is said to be one of the major reasons why. So we need to decide if capital punishment undermines article 3 or not.

lkdjfss Criminals have lost their right to life by destroying the life of someone else All humans deserve the right to life no matter what they have done We should never give up hope that people can change – killing them means we have given up Human rights should not apply to people that act in an inhuman way OTHER

Evaluation Mark on the sheet where your opinion is now (write “2nd opinion”) – has it changed? Why? Are there any other arguments you would add now to either side of the debate? Write these onto the sheet