Liberalism anchors itself in the foundational recognition of the core dignity of every human being. Respect for humanity sits at the very heart of the liberal proposition. Therefore, there is no greater affront to that proposition than the callous casting aside of a human life. The justifications for such an act should be few and the bar high.
That the state should have the power to take life in the administration of justice is highly problematic in the best of circumstances. That it should exercise that power capriciously defies the concept of justice itself.
The execution last night of Marcellus Williams by the state of Missouri over the objections of not only his counsel and supporters but also prosecutors and the family of his alleged victim is a miscarriage of justice.
As liberals, we value our institutions and the role that they play in shaping a free and democratic society. We value the rule of law – the concept that justice be applied equally and fairly to all. When justice is blind to prejudice and ego, our institutions are strengthened. When it is blind instead to its own flaws and mistakes and the suffering they inflict, our institutions are eroded.
If we value our liberal democracy, if we value rule of law, if we value our shared humanity, then it is incumbent upon us to demand a justice that is restorative, healing, and fair. A state that will kill out of vengeance, or pride, or shame at botched trial procedures they do not want to revisit is a state that must not be granted that power at all.