Quote by Johann von Goethe, Wilhelm Meist
If society gives up the right to impose the death penalty, then self-help will appear again and personal vendettas will be around the corner.
Summary
This quote suggests that if society relinquishes the authority to use the death penalty as a form of punishment, individuals may resort to taking matters into their own hands. Without the legal option of capital punishment, people may seek self-help through extrajudicial means, leading to personal vendettas and revenge-driven actions becoming more prevalent. The quote implies that the death penalty serves as a deterrent, preventing some potential acts of vigilantism and keeping society more orderly.