Full resolution (TIFF) - On this page / på denna sida - I. Chapter. On Punishments
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prerogative, the most pleasing of all those attached
to the crown, must be used sparingly; it is
depressing, in proportion to the responsibility, to
pronounce that word which irrevocably decides
the death of a human being. Before the
decision is formed, the mind is painfully engaged in
seeking that which is most in accordance with
justice; and afterwards the remembrance of the
sorrowful object lies heavily on the mind. The judge
is not exposed to this trying uncertainty; for he
is only the interpretor of the law, and applies its
precepts without either power or compassion; but
the limits of pardon are not so precisely laid down:
how far should it be carried, where is the proper
boundary for its kindly interposition? This question
is difficult to decide, and requires a length of time
and a degree of activity, which, by the abolition of
capital punishments, might be spared for the
advancement of other subjects, important to the welfare of
the state. In order fully to understand the importance
of this remark, it would be necessary to imagine
one’s self in the Monarch’s place; and to consider
how great a portion of his time must be taken up,
when an average of 61 cases of capital-punishment
are brought forward yearly in Sweden, consequently
more than one every week; for the nature of these
cases prevents their being compared with usual
administrative questions.
Many men, distinguished for learning and noble
minds, found their conviction of the justice of
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