2008 Woodie Awards
Catholic lawyer addresses the Death Penalty at SHU
Carolyn Tavares
Issue date: 9/28/06 Section: News
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On Monday afternoon, Kevin Doyle, J.D., Director of the Capital Defender Office in New York City, discussed the death penalty from a Catholic perspective at Sacred Heart.
Doyle, a graduate from the University of Virginia Law School, stated that while some might be anxious to talk about this subject matter, he feels differently.
"We may all be Catholic, but that doesn't mean we all think the same," said Doyle. "As a Catholic, I oppose the death penalty. When given the opportunity between life and death, I would choose life."
Maria Valdivieso, senior, Criminal Justice major, Elizabeth, New Jersey, finds Doyle's views interesting but is aware that talking about religion and the death penalty deals with a lot of different issues.
"I know our religion is kind of against it," said Valdivieso. "But also, in the past our religion has killed people.
During his speech, Doyle outlined the reasons he opposes the death penalty to backup his claims.
"I oppose the death penalty for three reasons," said Doyle. " The first reason is even the well-intended can make mistakes and the second is that racism is morally sinful. The third reason is obvious: human life is sacred."
Attendants at the lecture, like Valdivieso, found Doyle's argument compelling.
"I think that [Mr. Doyle] did a great job today," said Valdivieso. "Capital punishment is hard to talk about, especially in a school like Sacred Heart."
During the lecture, Doyle covered the differences between both the Catholic perspective and how other religions view the death penalty.
"Protestants tend to be more black and white," said Doyle. "Protestants are inclined to think that someone is either all good or all bad. Catholics, tend to see more gray areas."
But does the punishment fit the crime?
"I think it depends on the crime [if they should be given the death penalty]," said Valdivieso. "If someone killed one person, maybe not. But a serial killer for example, maybe then that person should be put to death."
Doyle continued his lecture by discussing racism in the courtroom.
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