Topic: Reconciling Forgiveness, Mercy, and Justice

Thread: Consider the following scenario: A death row inmate who is less than 24 hours away from execution has called you to his cell. He chooses to make his final appeal to you because he knows that you are a Christian. He states the following: "I have been convicted of a heinous crime, and I have been sentenced to death. But I have seen the error of my ways. I thought God was merciful and forgiving. Why am I not receiving forgiveness? I'm very sorry for what I did, and I'm not the same person that I was 14 years ago."

What is the difference between forgiveness in Christ and being accountable to the State? In your response, refer to the required readings and study materials for this module/week. You must include concepts from the Biblical Principles of Criminal Justice article to support your statements.

Assuming capital punishment is the appropriate sentence for this inmate, how is justice being served? In your response, refer to the required readings and study materials for this module/week. You must include concepts from the Biblical Principles of Criminal Justice article to support your statements.

Reply: When replying to your classmates, reply from the following 2 perspectives:

Reply to 1 of your classmates' responses regarding justice being served from the perspective of a family member of the accused. In your response, refer to the required readings and study materials for this module/week. You must include concepts from the Biblical Principles of Criminal Justice article to support your statements.

Reply to 1 of your classmates' responses regarding justice being served from the perspective of a family member of the victim. Include in your reply the concept of mutual accountability. In your response, refer to the required readings and study materials for this module/week.

You must include concepts from the Biblical Principles of Criminal Justice article to support your statements.