Other Issues
From the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Simplified
The Death Penalty (2267)
Recourse to the death penalty on the part of legitimate authority, following a fair trial, was long considered an appropriate response to the gravity of certain crimes and an acceptable, albeit extreme, means of safeguarding the common good.
Today, however, there is an increasing awareness that the dignity of the person is not lost even after the commission of very serious crimes. In addition, a new understanding has emerged of the significance of penal sanctions imposed by the state. Lastly, more effective systems of detention have been developed, which ensure the due protection of citizens but, at the same time, do not definitively deprive the guilty of the possibility of redemption.
Consequently, the Church teaches, in the light of the Gospel, that “the death penalty is inadmissible because it is an attack on the inviolability and dignity of the person”, and she works with determination for its abolition worldwide.
Direct Killing (2268)
Direct and intentional killing are gravely sinful. Both the murderer and those who voluntarily cooperate commit a sin which cries to heaven for vengeance. Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and killing of a spouse (because these involve natural bonds) are especially grave crimes. Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder even if commanded by public authority.
Other Forbidden Acts (2269)
The fifth commandment also forbids:
- Doing anything with the intention of indirectly causing a person's death
- Exposing oneself to mortal danger
- Refusing assistance to a person in danger
Society's acceptance of murderous famines is a grave offense. Those who by their avarice and usury bring about the deaths of others indirectly commit imputable homicide.
Unintentional killing is not imputable. However, there is a grave offense if the person acted without a proportionate reason and brought about a death they did not intend.
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