And Justice For All In his commentary of "On Crimes and Punishments" by Beccaria, Voltaire argues that the overuse and or the misuse of the death penalty erodes the very strength of a society. Voltaire's work acts like a thermometer for the age of enlightenment. During the enlightenment era, there was a shift in thought and deed regarding humanity. As a result of this shift, the use of torture, punishment, and the death penalty were …showed first 75 words of 813 total…

…showed last 75 words of 813 total…with the opportunity for reform. Hard work can help people change. When people begin to see that life consists of terror, confusion, oppression, and instability, they will turn all their efforts to survival and disregard all other venues. The death penalty and its misuse or overuse sent a message contrary to that of the enlightenment. In a time where humanity was making progress, the death penalty served as a roadblock to the betterment of mankind.