The Moral Maze

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Moral Maze

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Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

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Moral Maze: The Purpose of Punishment

The Purpose of Punishment

BBC Radio 4 - Moral Maze, The Purpose of Punishment

Live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories.

In the judicial system, what is punishment for?

The last week saw two contrasting examples of how societies treat killers.   Valdo Calocane, who killed three people in Nottingham and tried to kill three more, avoided jail and was instead sent to a secure hospital for life because of his mental illness.  One of the victim’s relatives protested that he “got away with murder”.   Meanwhile in America, convicted murderer Kenneth Smith became the first person in the US to be executed using nitrogen gas.

Calocane’s charge was reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility because of his paranoid schizophrenia. The mother of one of his victims objected and complained that the families were not consulted.  The Attorney General will be reviewing the sentence.  It’s raised questions about what punishment is for:  Is it for criminals – to provide the suffering they deserve, or reform them or deter future offenders?   Or is it for victims – providing retribution and a sense of fairness to them?  Victims are uniquely placed to appreciate the true impact of crime, so shouldn't their perspective have a greater weight in the judicial process?   Would a bigger role for victims improve or hinder justice?  What’s the purpose of punishment and can it ever provide justice for the most serious offenders, and their victims?

Presenter:   Michael Buerk
Producer:  Jonathan Hallewell
Assistant Producer:   Linda Walker
Editor:   Tim Pemberton

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