The death penalty and "vengeance"

In the recent posts and debates about the death sentence of Stan (aka Tookie) Williams, the word vengeance has been used countless times to ridicule those who are supporters of the death penalty.

Merriam-Webster defines vengeance as “punishment inflicted in retaliation for an injury or offense.”

The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as “Infliction of punishment for a wrong committed; retribution.”

Avenge is another word closely associated with this term. The AH Dictionary defines it as “to take revenge for; to take vengeance on behalf of.”

Nowhere is it specified that taking a life is a requirement of the definition of vengeance. This word simply means to punish, on behalf of a victim who was wronged.

So if someone advocated any type of punishment, they are, by definition, acting out of vengeance. Taking someone to small claims court and seeking punishment (payment, return of goods, etc) is, strictly speaking, vengeance. Calling for someone to serve a term in jail is vengeance. Supporting a life sentence without the possibility of parole is vengeance. Supporting a death sentence is vengeance. All of these involve punishing someone for committing a wrong.

When anti-death penalty advocates throw around the “it’s vengeance” accusation, they are correct. Problem is, if they in turn support any type of punishment, they are also guilty of wanting vengeance.

I do think that the loved ones should have the right to ask for that option as closure is part of the grieving process. But at the same time I couldn't put my figer on the trigger.