AN ANALYSIS OF CAPITAL PUNISHMENT AND DUE PROCESS IN NIGERIA: LEGAL PERSPECTIVES AND COMPARATIVE INSIGHTS

Abstract

Capital punishment remains a contentious global issue, sparking debates and varying perspectives worldwide. This article delves into the diverse attitudes of nations towards capital punishment, emphasizing that different countries maintain distinctive lists of crimes that warrant the ultimate penalty. The absence of a universal standard for classifying capital offenses further underscores the nuanced approach adopted by retentionist states. Capital punishment represents the most severe sanction imposed on individuals found guilty of capital crimes by competent judicial bodies. Grounded in penological theories like deterrence, retribution, and elimination, this method seeks to address the societal security threat posed by certain offenses. Nevertheless, the perception of what constitutes a threat varies among different societies, leading to a complex and multifaceted global landscape concerning capital punishment.