Ashford 6: – Week 5 – Discussion 2

Alternative to Retributive Justice

In Chapter 5 of the text, the   author discusses four alternatives to retributive justice: corrective   justice, reformative justice, restorative justice, and transformative justice   (see Section 5.3).

In “Case Study 5.5 – Dead Woman   Walking,” the text describes the circumstances that led to the 1998 execution   in Texas of Karla Faye Tucker. Before she was executed she requested, but was   denied, clemency. Her cause was supported by many political, correctional,   and moral leaders.

Would the application of any of   the four alternatives to retribution have produced a more just outcome?

Your initial post must explain and   apply each of the four alternative theories of justice to Karla Faye Tucker’s   case. Also, critically evaluate each of the alternatives in the circumstances   of her case. Why does each theory produce a more or less just outcome than   the approach actually followed by the State of Texas? Finally, is the utility   of each alternative limited to the unusual circumstances of Karla’s case or   do they have value more generally to merit consideration as a more just   approach than retributive justice?

Your initial post should be at   least 300 words in length. Support your claims with examples from the   textbook and two other scholarly resources of your choice, and properly cite   any references. Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts by Day 7   whose viewpoints are different from yours. Each peer response must be at   least 125 words. Stimulate critical thinking by contrasting your perspective   with your classmate’s and explaining yours, or by asking your classmate a   question and explaining why your question is significant.