Deadly consequences for murders

In addition to undertaking an analysis of the demographic, psychological and criminogenic circumstances surrounding murders and then dealing with them – which lead to long term solutions, a key recommendation is that of ensuring there are appropriate consequences and they are implemented.

First, we have to ensure that the penalty for murder, which is death by hanging in TT , is implemented after a complete and fair criminal trial with the appeals, etc within the stipulated five-year time frame. The entire criminal justice system must be on board with this. The legislators in Parliament must play their critical part too.

If murderers know that they can be prosecuted, convicted and executed within the five-year time frame, it’s more likely that this can be a deterrent.

We must recognise that a decision to engage in crime is a psychological matter. Other than those who are insane temporarily or permanently, all other murderers make a decision to kill another person.

They also know that there is an almost 100 percent chance that they will not suffer the death penalty. They have the upper hand on this crime. We need to ensure that murderers are properly executed.

If murderers know for sure that they will be executed, it will serve as a deterrent. Don’t be fooled; many of those murderers are afraid to die via state execution.

The very thought of the ritual of walking to be put to death by hanging with an audience can be enough to be a deterrent! Further, we need to move into the direction of having various classifications of murders, eg, first degree, second degree, etc.

And let us agree on the range of punishments for these various levels of murder with probably the death penalty for first degree murders, life imprisonment for second degree murders, etc.

This is not reinventing the world.

Other jurisdictions have done it, so why do we feel that it cannot be done in Trinidad and Tobago.

Human beings are afraid of physical pain unless they have some serious psychological disorder.

We should also consider prescribing corporal punishment alongside the death penalty. It can be an appetizer before the main course. If potential murderers know that they will be whipped with the cat o’ nine tails as well, we are almost certain that this can be a deterrent.

Murder is a very gruesome crime where there’s no recuperation by the victim. There’s the need also for the murderer to feel similar or worse pain and suffering.

For some crimes, we can entertain rehabilitation, etc. But for murder, where you take away the life of an individual, where proven beyond a reasonable doubt that it is person A, B or C, that person should suffer badly. And, that’s the only way we can expect a reduction in murders in the short term.

IAN RAMDHANIE via email