Homework on Merriam, The Paradox of Innocence

Please make sure that all of your answers are in your own words.

1. a. Does Merriam believe that some rights will be violated if we have the death penalty? If so, whose? (1 pt)
b. Does Merriam believe that some rights will be violated if we don't have the death penalty? If so, whose? (1pt)

2. Merriam argues that there will be overall less injustice if we have the death penalty than if we do not. This relies on some factual claims about the number of unjust acts, and some philosophical claims about differences in the wrongness of various injustices. Briefly describe the factual side of the argument: why (according to Merriam) should we expect a smaller number of injustices if we have the death penalty than if we do not? (2pts)

3. To some extent, Merriam's argument depends on claims about how unjust various actions are.
a. Briefly explain what claims Merriam needs to accept about how unjust various acts are in order for his argument to work. (2pts)
b. Do you think that he is correct about this? Briefly defend your view. (2pts)

4. Are there any reasons to think that there will be greater number of unjust convictions if we have the death penalty than if we do not? (Hint: I think there are) If so, give at least one plausible reason. (2pts)