Caning: Nations Using Or Considering Corporal Punishment
by Joel Hendon(756)
Corporal punishment was commonplace throughout history, as was capital punishment. But corporal punishment, especially, began to be forbidden in various countries during the nineteenth century and continued so into the twentieth century. A considerable number have continued to utilize these methods until this day. During history, some countries actually had branding and amputation of limbs or hands as punishment for certain crimes. I am not certain if this is still done by any at this time.
The number of countries presently using caning as a deterrent for crimes has dwindled down to only a comparatively few. But according to reports some countries are now considering and actually discussing re-enacting those laws for certain crimes. The Dominican Republic is one such nation. The advocates of such a move point to the statistics of before and after, and the difference is rather astounding. However, opponents feel that the rise in those crimes has not been caused by the cessation of caning. A question which may never be resolved.
The following countries still use caning for various crimes such as vandalism, thieving, drinking, drug use, illicit sexual relations, etc.
Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Afghanistan, Jamaica, Bahamas, Singapore and Iran. It is my understanding that any nation under Shariah law allows caning. This list is no doubt, incomplete.
These types of punishment, as well as capital punishment, have been very controversial and remain so to this day. Opponents claim that inflicting such pain on people is cruel and is in the same category as torture and no one should be subjected to such. I do not agree with that stand, yet my purpose in writing this article is not to argue the pros and cons. I will say this, the methods used now as a deterrent to criminal activity may be humane but they are not working. We may as well turn our backs on all crime if we are not going to offer punishment for those who commit them. In fact, some who are in prison for life, live a more comfortable and sumptuous life than they did before the crime.
Here is an anonymous blog comment concerning the proposed laws for the Dominican Republic which is of some interest:
Since they were discussing the introducing of caning as it is practised in "Malaysia", your question could likely be answered by doing a search on Google or some search engine to see the "who, what, when, why and how" of caning in Malaysia is performed. Obviously, these politicos had done that. I do know that it is a humiliating process (caned on the butt etc in public), turns "hard men" into cry babies, hurts like heck, AND deters crime.
The difference may be that the countries that use this type of punishment have it "down to a science" and it just probably could not be implemented here.
For anyone who is strong and can watch the severity of the canings given in Malaysia, there is a website which gives the details of how the punishment is determined, prepared for and done. They have a video clip which shows the preparation of a prisoner for a 20 stroke caning and the actual caning itself, which is quite disturbing to watch. It appears to me those of that area would be at least a bit hesitant to commit whatever crimes these were being punished for, after viewing the clip.
http://www.corpun.com/vidju.htmUnder the Old Testament law given to the Israelites through Moses, there were extremely strict laws with a number of corporal and capital punishments. An eye for an eye concept as well as the death penalty by stoning for some crimes. These laws given to them by Jehovah God. I do not question His wisdom nor His reasoning. If one person murdered another, the murdered one's relative was permitted to slay the murderer.
All manner of punishment is undesirable, yet, certain offenses against society cannot be ignored. And, I do not consider 5 years in prison adequate punishment for the rape/murder of a little girl. People who knowingly commit abominable atrocities lose all their right to sympathy of any kind. That is my personal view. If it offends others, I do regret that, but it nevertheless is how I feel.
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Article submitted Wednesday, April 15, 2009 & read 997 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Ernest from Alaska (19 days 4 hours ago.)
Caning will kill no one, but it will prevent thousands, if not tens of thousands, of killings. This is why it is so appealing for a society like ours, drowning in crime and crime costs! Just imagine, if caning were reinstated in all U.S. States, the budget surplusses would be enough to reduce the national debt!Respond to this comment
» left by Joel Hendon (19 days 3 hours ago.)
Your points are well taken Earnest. I appreciate your comments.
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