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The Death Penalty (2267)
If the guilty party's identity and responsibility are clearly determined, the Church's traditional teaching does not forbid the use of the death penalty if this is the only possible way of defending human lives against the unjust aggressor. If non-lethal means can be used to protect people's safety, then authority must use these means. Today the state has so many possibilities to make the aggressor incapable of future harm without taking away his life that the cases in which execution is an absolute necessity "are very rare, if not practically non-existent" (Pope John Paul II).
Direct Killing (2268)
Direct and intentional killing are gravely sinful. Both the murderer and those who voluntarily cooperate commit a sin which cries to heaven for vengeance. Infanticide, fratricide, parricide, and killing of a spouse (because these involve natural bonds) are especially grave crimes. Concern for eugenics or public health cannot justify any murder even if commanded by public authority.
Other Forbidden Acts (2269)
The fifth commandment also forbids:
- Doing anything with the intention of indirectly causing a person's death
- Exposing oneself to mortal danger
- Refusing assistance to a person in danger
Society's acceptance of murderous famines is a grave offense. Those who by their avarice and usury bring about the deaths of others indirectly commit imputable homicide.
Unintentional killing is not imputable. However, there is a grave offense if the person acted without a proportionate reason and brought about a death they did not intend.