Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 1Jefferson, Thomas
History
Memoir, Correspondence, and Miscellanies, From the Papers of Thomas Jefferson, Volume 1
Jefferson, Thomas
United States -- Politics and government -- 1775-1783; United States -- Politics and government -- 1783-1865
Suicide is by law punishable by forfeiture of chattels. This
bill exempts it from forfeiture. The suicide injures the
state less than he who leaves it with his effects. If the
latter then be not punished, the former should not. As to
the example, we need not fear its influence. Men are too
much attached to life, to exhibit frequent instances of
depriving themselves of it. At any rate, the quasi-
punishment of confiscation will not prevent it. For if one
be found who can calmly determine to renounce life, who is
so weary of his existence here, as rather to make experiment
of what is beyond the grave, can we suppose him, in such a
state of mind, susceptible of influence from the losses to
his family by confiscation? That men in general, too,
disapprove of this severity, is apparent from the constant
practice of juries finding the suicide in a state of
insanity; because they have no other way of saving the
forfeiture. Let it then be done away.
Whenever sentence of death shall have been pronounced against any person
for treason or murder, execution shall be done on the next day but
one after such sentence, unless it be Sunday, and then on the Monday
following.*
* Beccaria, § 19; 25 G. 2. c. 37.
Whosoever shall be guilty of Rape,* Polygamy,** or Sodomy,*** with man
or woman, shall be punished, if a man, by castration,**** if a woman,
by cutting through the cartilage of her nose, a hole of one half inch in
diameter at the least.
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