Volume 31, Issue 1 (3-2024)
RJMS 2024, 31(1): 1-14 |
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Research code: 01
Ethics code: IR.IAU.SARI.REC.1403.204
Clinical trials code: 01
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Khademlou A, Esmaili A A, Kalantari K. Medical and Emotional Approach to the Death Penalty in Drug Offenses. RJMS 2024; 31 (1) :1-14
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8588-en.html
URL: http://rjms.iums.ac.ir/article-1-8588-en.html
Department of Criminal Law and Criminology, Faculty of Law, Islamic Azadi University, Gorgan Branch, Gorgan, Iran , A.esmaeile@yaho.com
Abstract: (45 Views)
Background & Aims: The death penalty is one of the most controversial and challenging issues in the realm of human rights and criminal justice, which has attracted the attention of governments, international organizations, and researchers from ancient times to the present. This punishment, particularly in the context of drug offenses, has drawn special attention due to the high potential for harm to individuals and societies. Specifically, the death penalty, as a final and irreversible method of dealing with serious crimes such as drug trafficking and trade, has become a legal tool for many countries to combat this social issue. In some countries, drugs are considered one of the major threats to public security and health, and the death penalty is introduced as a solution to confront these threats. However, this legal approach, especially in relation to drug offenses, raises numerous questions and challenges in the fields of human rights, ethics, and justice due to its extensive human, social, and psychological consequences. The medical and emotional approach to the death penalty in drug offenses encompasses complex and diverse aspects. On the one hand, the medical effects of the death penalty on convicts, including its physical and psychological impacts, is an issue that, especially in modern societies and in the context of human rights and public health, is highly debated. It is important to examine how the death penalty can affect the physical and psychological condition of the condemned and may lead to irreversible suffering. In this regard, doctors play a key role and can be influential in determining the conditions of the convict and assessing their physical health. On the other hand, the emotional approach to the death penalty in drug offenses should not be overlooked. The death penalty not only affects the convicts but also has profound psychological and emotional effects on their families, communities, and even judicial systems. The negative effects of this punishment on the emotions and psychology of individuals, especially in cases where the person is seen as a victim of drugs, can be analyzed from various perspectives. Given the sensitivities surrounding this issue, this article aims to examine the various aspects of the death penalty in drug offenses from medical, legal, and social perspectives and analyze its impact on the condemned, their families, and society. Ultimately, the goal of this article is to propose possible approaches to change or reform death penalty policies in this area based on findings and contribute to discussions about the human and ethical dimensions of this punishment.
Methods: This article adopts a qualitative research approach, analyzing existing literature, case studies, and relevant legal documents related to the medical and emotional approach to the death penalty in drug offenses.
Results: The findings of this study could indicate the widespread effects of the death penalty in drug-related crimes on individuals and society. These effects include physical and psychological impacts on convicts, particularly in the context of psychosomatic problems, anxiety, depression, and stress arising from prison conditions and the threat of execution. Furthermore, the research may show that the death penalty can lead to negative consequences for the families of the condemned, particularly in terms of emotional and psychological problems that result from these consequences.
Conclusion: The conclusion from examining various approaches to the death penalty, its impact on individuals and societies, as well as its alternatives, may be that the death penalty, as one of the harshest and most critical methods of punishment, is not only unjustifiable based on human rights principles, but in many cases does not lead to a reduction in crime. Many countries around the world, through their research and practical experiences, have concluded that the death penalty cannot be considered a sustainable solution for reducing crimes, especially drug-related crimes. The implementation of the death penalty, in addition to being potentially unjust and in some cases unnecessary, can have widespread negative effects, particularly in the social and psychological spheres on society and even on the families of those condemned to death. The rehabilitation of offenders, through therapeutic, educational, and social programs, can have longer-lasting and more positive effects on reducing crime and reintegrating individuals back into society. Furthermore, some countries have shown that using alternative punishments such as long-term imprisonment, corrective treatments, rehabilitation programs, and social services can be more effective than lethal punishments in reducing drug demand and improving the status of offenders. Given international experiences and widespread criticism of the death penalty in various cases, it seems that focusing on more humane and reformative alternatives can more effectively address problems related to drug crimes and other offenses. These approaches not only emphasize individual rights and human dignity but also seek to guide society toward restorative justice and crime prevention, rather than vengeance. Ultimately, changes in judicial policies, laws, and societal attitudes toward the death penalty and a more thorough examination of its effects on individuals and societies could pave the way for building more just, humane, and secure societies. These changes could strengthen public trust in the judicial system, prevent the violation of human rights, and ultimately contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable society.
Methods: This article adopts a qualitative research approach, analyzing existing literature, case studies, and relevant legal documents related to the medical and emotional approach to the death penalty in drug offenses.
Results: The findings of this study could indicate the widespread effects of the death penalty in drug-related crimes on individuals and society. These effects include physical and psychological impacts on convicts, particularly in the context of psychosomatic problems, anxiety, depression, and stress arising from prison conditions and the threat of execution. Furthermore, the research may show that the death penalty can lead to negative consequences for the families of the condemned, particularly in terms of emotional and psychological problems that result from these consequences.
Conclusion: The conclusion from examining various approaches to the death penalty, its impact on individuals and societies, as well as its alternatives, may be that the death penalty, as one of the harshest and most critical methods of punishment, is not only unjustifiable based on human rights principles, but in many cases does not lead to a reduction in crime. Many countries around the world, through their research and practical experiences, have concluded that the death penalty cannot be considered a sustainable solution for reducing crimes, especially drug-related crimes. The implementation of the death penalty, in addition to being potentially unjust and in some cases unnecessary, can have widespread negative effects, particularly in the social and psychological spheres on society and even on the families of those condemned to death. The rehabilitation of offenders, through therapeutic, educational, and social programs, can have longer-lasting and more positive effects on reducing crime and reintegrating individuals back into society. Furthermore, some countries have shown that using alternative punishments such as long-term imprisonment, corrective treatments, rehabilitation programs, and social services can be more effective than lethal punishments in reducing drug demand and improving the status of offenders. Given international experiences and widespread criticism of the death penalty in various cases, it seems that focusing on more humane and reformative alternatives can more effectively address problems related to drug crimes and other offenses. These approaches not only emphasize individual rights and human dignity but also seek to guide society toward restorative justice and crime prevention, rather than vengeance. Ultimately, changes in judicial policies, laws, and societal attitudes toward the death penalty and a more thorough examination of its effects on individuals and societies could pave the way for building more just, humane, and secure societies. These changes could strengthen public trust in the judicial system, prevent the violation of human rights, and ultimately contribute to the creation of a more just and sustainable society.
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Clinical Psychiatry
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