[doug from upland]

Fair enough. But you would personally "execute" (in self defense, but execute nonetheless) someone before he committed murder. How do you know for sure he was going to murder your child? He may have had no real intention to do it, so you would have killed a man who was only there to rob you. You would not allow the state to do it after he committed murder. It is infinitely worse after he committed the act. Why do you think you deserve the power of God but the state doesn't deserve it?

[MineralMan]

"But you would personally "execute" (in self defense, but execute nonetheless) someone before he committed murder. How do you know for sure he was going to murder your child? He may have had no real intention to do it, so you would have killed a man who was only there to rob you. You would not allow the state to do it after he committed murder. It is infinitely worse after he committed the act. Why do you think you deserve the power of God but the state doesn't deserve it?"

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It's a judgment call on my part, then, isn't it. If I'm wrong, then that will be hanging over my head. It would be my responsibility to bear...nobody else's.

It would not be my assuming the power of some deity. It would be a purely human reaction in an immediate situation. That's very different. I don't claim any godlike powers. I'm just a guy. I'm often armed. I hope such a situation never arises. If it does, I will act on a decision made at that time in reaction to an immediate situation. Might I make a mistake? Certainly. If I do, I have no doubt I will regret it. Even if I do not make a mistake, I would still regret taking someone's life.