On the execution of Stanley "Tookie" Williams

Early this morning, the execution of Stanley Williams, convicted of four counts of first-degree murder, was carried out by the State of California. I will not here argue for or against the use of the death penalty. Suffice it to say that it is legal in California and that the process was carried out according to the law.

When the state, through the instrument of the criminal justice system, determines that a human being has committed a crime which warrants the ultimate sanction, it is not a time to rejoice or celebrate. It is instead a most solemn occasion. It leads us to think about redemption, retribution, justice, and a host of other concepts that we often take for granted in our lives. It's one thing for a person to murder another. That person is acting on his own and must take responsibility for his actions. But when a criminal is executed, it is society as a whole that is taking this action. In a sense, we are all doing it since we live in a nation where the power ultimately resides in the people who directly through the initiative and referendum processes, or indirectly through electing legislators, determine the laws under which we live.

Many have said that Williams deserved to have his sentence commuted to life in prison because he had done positive works since his conviction. He had written children's books and written and spoke against the dangers of gangs and gang violence. However, one of the principles of our justice system, regardless of how consistently it is applied in practice, is that of equal justice under the law. If a person can avoid the death penalty through performing good works and/or showing believable remorse between the time of his conviction and the scheduled date of his execution, then it should be made a part of the law so that everyone who is sentenced to die can have this opportunity. It should be applied objectively not subjectively.

Ultimately it comes down to the difference between punishment/reformation and redemption. Rather than attempt to differentiate the two myself I will instead point you toward a very good essay over at From the Grand Stand contrasting the two and how they apply to death penalty cases. (Hat tip to Kim)