Q&A: Death Penalty???
Originally published:
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Death Penalty???
Question
Hello and blessings, Rabbi Michi,
Following the shocking escape from Gilboa, I was wondering whether “communal ordinances” are sufficient to permit the execution of Jewish criminals in general even nowadays, for example a traitor (not necessarily only that) who helps arch-terrorists go free?
With blessings for a good year, may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year,
Answer
Why not? There is the law of a pursuer, and a king can decide on the death penalty under the law of the king. As for communal ordinances, I think that is more problematic, because the law does not allow a community to carry out executions. But a state, yes.
A good year.