1. Crime, Legitimate Defense and Capital Punishment

2. Two Key Questions
Does society have the right to terminate the life of those who have, through legal process, been convicted of serious crimes?
Even if society has the right, should it exercise this right?

3. Foundational Teachings
Law of Israel
St. Thomas Aquinas
Catechism of the Catholic Church

4. Legitimate Defense: Society’s Right
St. Thomas Aquinas
Legitimate defense – a right, but also a moral duty for those responsible for the life of others
Defend public order
Safety; especially the innocent
Rehabilitative purpose
Correction of the guilty
Remaining questions

5. The Death Penalty Traditional Teachings of the Church
Recent Papal Teachings
Development of Doctrine
The Abolition of the Death Penalty

6. Reflection: Dorothy Day Story
In an essay, reflect on the following questions:
What issues were addressed in the fil, “the Dorothy Day Story”?
Was there anything in her story that stood out to you in anyway and why?
Dorothy Day’s cause of sainthood is being considered. After watching the film, what would you say are qualities of being a saint.

7. Balancing Between Punishment and Revenge
Capital Punishment cannot be for revenge
“An eye for an eye…” vs. “Love your enemies”
Punishment/Justice must be served
Pastoral response
Forgiveness
The dignity of the “victim” vs. the dignity of the “offender.”

8. The Seamless/Consitent Ethic of Life
Bishop’s of the USA
Why it’s problematic?