Father Creedon (softly; half aside): The martyr’s crown!
Travesty: All whom you have mentioned were innocent and noble. Remember, we are discussing felons.
Gordon: Well, do you train an animal by locking it up and making it miserable? Will a snake dance for you if you hurt it?
Jim Poor (sinking into a chair with assumed weariness): Now, you’ve got him going!
Judge Dykeman: Ah, but punishment is an example to others! You cannot deny the deterrent principle.
Gordon: Does the procession of convicted men ever halt? Where there was one yesterday, there are two to-day and there will be three to-morrow.
Father Creedon (crossing himself): Do not say, Mr. Gordon, that you quarrel with the great principle of Example! Do not forget what one Man, divine, has given us!
Gordon: I remember that the Romans crucified that Man as an example. Did they accomplish what they thought to do? So we, instead of making the criminal an example to others, should make our treatment of him the example to the criminal himself. To-day we cannot claim example as our purpose when the life of the murderer is taken in the pale light of dawn, in a little room, and in the presence only of a few scientists. Surely, it is not these that need the warning! If punishment is intended as an example, let us be consistent; let the executions take place in the public parks and let the State declare the occasions holidays.
Judge Dykeman: You have forgotten, Gordon, the most important doctrine of all—Protection.
Travesty: Yes! Society has the right of self-defense. We are justified in imprisoning such people; even if it does them no good, because it protects Society.