Cities for Life Day 2023: Cities for Life Day, observed annually on November 30, honors the fundamental human right to life. The day, which is commemorated in cities across the globe, marks the initial abolition of capital punishment. The notion of the abolition of capital punishment was initially alluded to in Cesare Beccaria’s treatise of 1764, wherein he presented an argument against the necessity of the death penalty as a form of punishment.
The History of Cities For Life Day
The fundamental right to life is one thing no force on earth can take away. However, this was not the case in our justice system at the time of the establishment of the death penalty. This blatant form of criminal sanction predates human civilization and is more prevalent than we would prefer to acknowledge.
That was until one of the preeminent European Enlightenment authors of the era, Cesare Beccaria, weighed in on the matter. His publication “On Crimes and Punishments” in 1764, which was a magnum opus on criminal law and the reform system, is well-known. Due to its notoriety, the work has been translated into 22 languages.
Beccaria presented some of the earliest modern objections to the death penalty in this work, which also proposed that criminal justice should adhere to rational principles and constituted the first comprehensive effort to address criminal reform. Furthermore, Beccaria opposed torture on the grounds that it was unnecessary and inhumane.
Under the tenure of Pietro Leopold II, the Grand Duchy of Tuscany in Italy became the first pre-unitarian state to abolish the death penalty on November 30, 1786. Tuscany thus became the inaugural civil state to abolish torture and capital punishment.
Commemorating this momentous occasion, the Christian organization Community of Sant’Egidio initiated the global promotion of Cities for Life Day in 2002 with the backing of international human rights organizations. Since that time, the death penalty has become an increasingly rare occurrence throughout the world.
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FAQs for Cities for Life Day 2023
What is the death penalty?
State-sanctioned capital punishment consists of the execution of an offender as a sanction for a crime.
For what offenses would the death penalty be imposed?
In specific instances, treason, espionage, murder, large-scale drug trafficking, or attempted assassination of a witness, juror, or court officer are all punishable by the death penalty.
Which forms of capital punishment exist?
Five distinct methods of execution are sanctioned in the twenty-seven states of the United States that have implemented capital punishment: lethal injection, electrocution, lethal gas, firing squad, and hanging. Lethal injection is a method of execution permitted in all jurisdictions.
The observance of Cities for Life Day
Comment a candle
Participating cities illuminate a symbolic structure on this day, including the Colosseum in Rome, the Atomium in Brussels, and the Plaza de Santa Ana in Madrid. Light a candle in remembrance of the departed in the sanctuary of your own home to support the cause.
Gain knowledge of the criminal reform system.
A plethora of knowledge remains to be acquired with respect to the criminal justice system and reform. Discover how far we’ve come in the justice system and how much further we still have to go.
Proclaim the word
This day should be used to advocate for enlightenment and reform in the justice system. If you are not, you may still contribute your two cents or conduct an investigation and record your findings.
Five facts regarding the death penalty that will astound you
Legal in twenty-seven jurisdictions
As of March 24, 2021, 27 states in the United States continue to permit capital punishment.
The United States ranks fifth in terms of executions.
US executions rank fifth globally, behind Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and Saudi Arabia.
Sixty percent of adults favor
Six out of ten citizens in the United States favor the death penalty for convicted murderers at least somewhat.
Reduction in the death penalty.
According to data from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS), the number of people awaiting execution decreased by 29% between 2000 and 2019.
Offenses were the basis for sentencing.
Historical execution methods comprised electrocution, crucifixion, hanging, and beheading, among others; the method selected was proportional to the gravity of the offense.
CITIES FOR LIFE DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | November 30 | Thursday |
| 2024 | November 30 | Saturday |
| 2025 | November 30 | Sunday |
| 2026 | November 30 | Monday |
| 2027 | November 30 | Tuesday |
