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What is a law? It's essentially a social contract that we all agree upon that is enforced by the governing body. Laws can change as society changes its' priorities and arrangements. Therefore, laws ≠ morality, unless morality is changeable.
So, if we want to participate in a given society, we are accepting the rules and conditions as part of the social contract in the form of laws.
Violation of the social contract has consequences, and of varying degrees, such as misdemeanors, warnings, and felonies. But does the violation of the contract always mean immorality has occurred?
So, in the case of someone being killed, but they had a "criminal past" does that justify the death? A crime is a crime because the social contract says that it is.
Killing a person who has violated the law, also violates that individuals right to a speedy trial of their peers.
Sixth Amendment
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law,
Sixth Amendment
... and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
... and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
This amendment wasn't written only for those who do not violate the laws, but rather for those who did violate the law.
The Mosaic law says an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth. Christ taught this was not how we should act, instead He taught, "He that is without sin, let them cast the first stone."
Sinning and breaking laws are different, because the latter is a social contract. But the principle holds true, are we to judge an offender's life without a trial by peers because they had a criminal past?
If we said, but criminal...then anytime you ran a red light or went one mile over the speed limit, then you are also a criminal. But, that's silly right? Where is the mercy and leniency? So, how many times have you broken the social contract, unintentionally?
Should you then be branded with a scarlet letter the rest of your life and only be known by those mistakes? It seems contradictory to Christianity, which teaches that God will forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Meaning, there is some leniency we hope for ourselves.
This is not an excuse for no justice to be had. Rather a reflection of, am I casting the first stone at the person who lost their life? Or do we hope to be remembered for our good deeds and accomplishments in our own lives?
