There are too many different reasons and different individual circumstances involved with civil cases of murder to simply say, "We should execute all convicted murderers." That's why, Sawzaw. Many murders involve very complex human situations.

*****

Now, regarding piracy...

I have a lot more respect for someone who engages in violent acts over some political beliefs or ideals they have than someone who does it just to get a bunch of money.

For instance, Sawzaw, the American revolutionaries in 1775 were terrorists of their time in a legal sense, because within the British Empire they were committing treasonous acts causing property damage and death, and the British considered them as terrorists and traitors and would definitely hang them if they caught them.

But...I respect those revolutionaries because they were fighting for certain ideals which they felt were right. I have some measure of respect for anyone who lays his life on the line over a political or social ideal that he holds. (That doesn't necessarily mean I agree with him or what he'd doing.)

A pirate who boards a ship, however, is not fighting on behalf of any ideals. He's simply stealing from other people for his own gain. I have no respect for that. Therefore, I am less inclined to show him mercy.