Justification of the Death Penalty in Thomistic Natural Law Theory

The chapter presents a detailed argument supporting the right of public authorities to impose the death penalty on wrongdoers guilty of severe crimes, based on the principles of retributive justice and the common good. It delves into the concept of proportionality in punishment, highlighting Aquinas's view on the medicinal and retributive ends of capital punishment. The discussion also considers the potential benefits of the death penalty in promoting repentance, deterrence, and moral reform among offenders.