J.R.R. Tolkien on judgment

Capital punishment reigns as a question of strong emotions coming from both sides. Does any man carry the authority to deprive any other man of life? J.R.R. Tolkien addressed this issue in the second installment of his “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “The Two Towers”. The creature Gollum proved himself as a constant threat: should one feel pity for his sorrowful state, or wrath for the crimes he has committed?

“Many that live deserve death. And some die that deserve life. Can you give that to them? Then be not too eager to deal out death in the name of justice, fearing for your own safety. Even the wise cannot see all ends.”