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
The Morality of Self-Determination
Elite Universities
Moral Complicity
50 Years of the Abortion Act
The Morality of Holidays
Veganism and Animal Rights
Morality and Gender Equality
The Morality of Faith Schools
The morality of parental rights
The Morality of the Public Sector
Moral Philosophy for the Internet
Grenfell Tower Fire
The morality of generational voting
Morality of the Green Belt
Nationalism
Meritocracy Of Grammar Schools
Virtue Signalling
Morality of Loyalty
The Morality of Fake News
The Morality of Empathy
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Global News Podcast
Friday Night Comedy from BBC Radio 4
The Infinite Monkey Cage
You’re Dead to Me
Elis James and John Robins