Question description
Alternative to Retributive Justice
In Chapter 5 of the text, the author discusses four alternatives
to retributive justice: corrective justice, reformative justice,
restorative justice, and transformative justice (see Section 5.3).
In “Case Study 5.5 – Dead Woman Walking,” the text describes the
circumstances that led to the 1998 execution in Texas of Karla Faye
Tucker. Before she was executed she requested, but was denied, clemency.
Her cause was supported by many political, correctional, and moral
leaders.
Would the application of any of the four alternatives to retribution have produced a more just outcome?
Your initial post must explain and apply each of the four alternative
theories of justice to Karla Faye Tucker’s case. Also, critically
evaluate each of the alternatives in the circumstances of her case. Why
does each theory produce a more or less just outcome than the approach
actually followed by the State of Texas? Finally, is the utility of each
alternative limited to the unusual circumstances of Karla’s case or do
they have value more generally to merit consideration as a more just
approach than retributive justice?
Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length. Support
your claims with examples from the textbook and two other scholarly
resources of your choice, and properly cite any references. Respond to
at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7 whose viewpoints are
different from yours. Each peer response must be at least 125 words.
Stimulate critical thinking by contrasting your perspective with your
classmate’s and explaining yours, or by asking your classmate a question
and explaining why your question is significant.
