I don't want to put one innocent person to death to put 99 that are guilty to death. So philosophically I'm a tooth-for-tooth guy, but the reality is the death penalty as public policy is flawed.

In this quote, Gary Johnson, a former governor and presidential candidate, reflects on his views regarding the death penalty and its inherent flaws. He acknowledges a philosophical desire for justice—a "tooth-for-a-tooth" approach—where punishment should be proportionate to the crime. However, he expresses concern that the death penalty, as it is currently implemented, is deeply flawed, particularly because it risks executing innocent individuals in the process of punishing the guilty.

Johnson's statement highlights the moral dilemma at the core of capital punishment. While he philosophically supports the idea of retributive justice (punishing someone in proportion to their wrongdoing), he recognizes that the risk of mistakenly executing an innocent person makes the death penalty unacceptable as a public policy. His stance is rooted in the belief that the potential for irreversible mistakes outweighs any possible deterrent effect of the death penalty.

The quote also suggests that, despite philosophical beliefs in proportional justice, the reality of administering the death penalty is fraught with challenges. Johnson acknowledges that the justice system is not infallible and that errors can lead to grave consequences. This practical consideration makes him question the legitimacy of capital punishment as a reliable and just form of legal action.

Originating from Gary Johnson, a former governor of New Mexico and a proponent of criminal justice reform, this quote reflects his libertarian beliefs and his pragmatic approach to policy. Johnson’s position on the death penalty aligns with his broader concerns about the fairness and effectiveness of government policies, particularly those involving life and death decisions. His statement underscores the importance of addressing the inherent flaws in the justice system before accepting practices that have irreversible consequences.