John Stuart Mill

John Stuart Mill, prominent philosopher and economist, is probably best known as the author of the famous essay On Liberty. From 1865 to 1868 he served as a member of the British Parliament and constantly advocated political and social reforms such as emancipation for women, and the development of labor organizations and farm cooperatives. In the following viewpoint, taken from a Parliamentary Debate on April 21, 1868, Mill argues that while he is an advocate for lesser penalties for crimes such as theft, society must retain the death penalty for crimes of murder.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why does the author argue that the death penalty is the most humane alternative for the criminal"
2. Does the death penalty deter crime, according to Mill"
3. Why does the author say he disagrees with...