Killing Times

In Killing Times, David Wills critiques the death penalty's impact on human mortality, exploring its ethical and temporal dimensions in society.

In Killing Times, David Wills explores the profound implications of the death penalty, arguing that it transcends mere legal discourse to touch upon the very essence of human mortality. Grounded in a strong ethical and political commitment to abolishing capital punishment, Wills posits that the technology surrounding executions not only interrupts the natural flow of mortal time but also reshapes our understanding of death itself. By invoking Jacques Derrida's insights, he highlights how the death penalty distorts the uncertainty of mortality, creating a mechanized experience that alters the relationship between life and death.

Wills delves into the historical evolution of execution methods, tracing their development alongside societal perceptions of cruelty and justice. He examines various technologies of death, from the guillotine to lethal injection, and critiques the narratives that surround these practices. The book reveals how legal systems often rely on storytelling to frame their justifications for capital punishment, while also exposing the darker aspects of this narrative that reflect societal fears and moral dilemmas.

Furthermore, Killing Times connects the dots between capital punishment and broader issues of violence, including terrorism and state-sanctioned killings. Wills argues that the temporal technology of death not only governs judicial executions but also influences contemporary conflicts, where the lines between crime and punishment blur. This comprehensive examination invites readers to reconsider the ethical implications of capital punishment and its effects on our collective understanding of time and mortality.