Death Penalty Regulation in Positive Law

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 25 views

Introduction

The criminal process is a vital aspect in the criminal justice system, and the application of the death penalty to the perpetrators of the crime of premeditated murder has become a significant focus in recent years. In this context, the decision of the Banda Aceh District Court, as determined by the Panel of Judges based on decision number 248/Pid.B/2018/PN BNA, has been a subject of interest. The decision sentenced death in accordance with the demands of the Public Prosecutor, describing the legal assertiveness of the crime that had occurred.

Death Penalty Regulation in Positive Law

In Indonesia's positive law, the death penalty is regulated in the Criminal Code (KUHP). This criminal can only be imposed in certain criminal cases that are considered very serious and detrimental to the community. Planned murder is one of the criminal acts that meet the requirements to be sentenced to death, because the act not only eliminates a person's life but also shakes a social order and causes fear in society. The death penalty is a severe punishment that is intended to deter individuals from committing serious crimes.

Judge's Consideration in Imposing Death Penalty

Decision of District Court Number 248/Pid.B/2018/PN BNA gave a clear picture of the consideration of the Panel of Judges in imposing death sentences. First, the defendant's actions were considered very savage and showed indifference to life. This assessment is based on the fact that the perpetrators committed murder in a very cruel and beyond humanitarian way. The severity of the crime is a key factor in determining the severity of the punishment.

Second, the panel of judges also considers the impact of the action on the victims' families. The suffering experienced by the victim's family is one of the strong reasons to give a commensurate punishment. This shows the sense of justice that the judge wants to uphold, both for victims and for the general public who feel threatened by the existence of the perpetrators. The impact of the crime on the victims' families is a crucial factor in determining the severity of the punishment.

Third, the death penalty is also considered a form of effort to provide a deterrent effect for perpetrators and the community. By providing severe punishment, it is hoped that there will be a reduction in intention or desire to commit similar criminal offenses in the future. This is one important aspect in creating a sense of security for the community. The deterrent effect of the death penalty is a key factor in maintaining public safety.

Substantive Justice in this Case

Substantive justice given by the Banda Aceh District Court can be seen from the decision taken. Through the death of the death penalty, the judge not only punished the perpetrators, but also gave recognition of human values and a sense of justice for victims. This decision reflects a legal response that is in line with the morals and norms that apply in society. Substantive justice is a key aspect of the criminal justice system, as it ensures that justice is served in a fair and transparent manner.

In the perspective of justice, the death of capital punishment is not only seen as a legal instrument, but also as an action that is able to fulfill the sense of justice of the community. The community expects that justice can be upheld consistently and transparently, so that the perpetrators of crime are afraid to repeat their actions. The community's expectation of justice is a key factor in maintaining public trust in the criminal justice system.

Conclusion

In the context of the death sentence against the perpetrators of the crime of premeditated murder, the study of the decision of the District Court Number 248/PID.B/2018/PN BNA gave in-depth insight regarding the application of law and justice considerations by the panel of judges. The death penalty in this case is not merely meets the legal aspects, but also reflects the desire to maintain justice for victims and the community as a whole. This shows that the law, although hard, must still prioritize human values and substantive justice. The death penalty is a complex issue that requires careful consideration of the legal and social implications.

Recommendations

Based on the study of the decision of the District Court Number 248/PID.B/2018/PN BNA, the following recommendations can be made:

The court should consider the severity of the crime and the impact on the victims' families when imposing the death penalty.
The death penalty should be used as a last resort, and alternative punishments should be considered.
The community's expectation of justice should be taken into account when making decisions regarding the death penalty.
The law should prioritize human values and substantive justice, even if it means imposing a harsher punishment.

Limitations of the Study

This study has several limitations, including:

The study only examined one case, and more research is needed to generalize the findings.
The study did not consider the social and cultural context of the crime and the community.
The study did not examine the impact of the death penalty on the victims' families and the community.

Future Research Directions

Future research should focus on the following areas:

Examining the impact of the death penalty on the victims' families and the community.
Investigating the social and cultural context of the crime and the community.
Considering alternative punishments and their effectiveness in maintaining public safety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the study of the decision of the District Court Number 248/PID.B/2018/PN BNA provided in-depth insight into the application of law and justice considerations by the panel of judges. The death penalty in this case reflects the desire to maintain justice for victims and the community as a whole. This study highlights the importance of considering the severity of the crime, the impact on the victims' families, and the community's expectation of justice when making decisions regarding the death penalty.

Introduction

The death penalty is a complex and contentious issue that has been debated by scholars, policymakers, and the general public for centuries. In this article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the death penalty and substantive justice.

Q: What is the death penalty?

A: The death penalty is a form of punishment in which a person is sentenced to death for a crime. In Indonesia, the death penalty is regulated in the Criminal Code (KUHP) and can only be imposed in certain criminal cases that are considered very serious and detrimental to the community.

Q: What is substantive justice?

A: Substantive justice refers to the idea that justice should be served in a fair and transparent manner, taking into account the severity of the crime, the impact on the victims' families, and the community's expectation of justice.

Q: Why is the death penalty used?

A: The death penalty is used as a form of punishment to deter individuals from committing serious crimes. It is also used to provide a sense of security for the community and to uphold the law.

Q: Is the death penalty effective in deterring crime?

A: The effectiveness of the death penalty in deterring crime is a topic of ongoing debate. Some studies suggest that the death penalty may have a deterrent effect, while others suggest that it may not.

Q: What are the limitations of the death penalty?

A: The death penalty has several limitations, including:

The risk of executing an innocent person
The lack of a deterrent effect
The impact on the victims' families and the community
The cost of implementing and maintaining the death penalty

Q: What are the alternatives to the death penalty?

A: Some alternatives to the death penalty include:

Life imprisonment
Imprisonment for a fixed term
Community service
Restorative justice

Q: How can the death penalty be reformed?

A: The death penalty can be reformed by:

Implementing stricter safeguards to prevent the execution of innocent people
Providing more support to the victims' families and the community
Considering alternative punishments
Ensuring that the death penalty is used in a fair and transparent manner

Q: What is the role of the community in the death penalty?

A: The community plays a crucial role in the death penalty, as they are the ones who are affected by the crime and the punishment. The community's expectation of justice should be taken into account when making decisions regarding the death penalty.

Q: How can the death penalty be abolished?

A: The death penalty can be abolished by:

Changing the law to prohibit the death penalty
Implementing alternative punishments
Providing education and awareness about the death penalty
Building a coalition of supporters to advocate for abolition

Conclusion

In conclusion, the death penalty is a complex and contentious issue that requires careful consideration of the legal and social implications. By understanding the FAQs about the death penalty and substantive justice, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society.