We are often taught to do what is right, that we should think before we speak and that there will be consequences for doing the “wrong” thing. However, many struggle with this fine line between right and wrong. Who defines what is right or wrong? Can one action be more wrong than another? Will actions that are “more wrong” derive harsher consequences? Our country faces questions like these when deciding what is “just” or “unjust,” and what consequences should be for unjust actions. One documentary on Netflix, Into the Abyss, delves into this issue, discussing the justification, or lack thereof, for putting a murderer on death row.

Into the Abyss tells the story of two young men, Michele Perry and Jason Burkett, who murdered three people in an attempt to steal a car that their friend owned. It takes place only eight days before inmate Michael Perry is scheduled to be executed. While the murders were not planned, in the moment they felt that they had no choice. They killed their friends’ mother, Sandra Stotler, and two of their best friends, Adam Stotler and Jeremy Richardson. Perry told the police the location of all three bodies and other information that the police claimed “only the perpetrator could have known.” Upon further investigation, Perry and Burkett were charged with murder for all three victims. Perry received the death sentence, but was this entirely justified?

The answer to this question varies depending on the perspective of those either involved in the case, or following it in the news. President Obama discussed his view on the death penalty last October: “There are certain crimes that are so beyond the pale that I understand society’s need to express its outrage, so I have not traditionally been opposed to the death penalty in theory. But in practice it’s deeply troubling.” To many, the “death penalty” is just a phrase. If first degree murder is “intentionally and knowingly causing the death of another person”, can it be argued that the government is committing the same crime against those on death row?

Ethan Moser ’17 expresses his view, explaining, “Normally, I would say that I do not believe it is a just thing to do. However, clearly these are people that cannot be on the streets and incarceration is very expensive, so I can understand how it may be cheaper to have the death penalty for those who have committed bad enough crimes, such as murder.” Lizzie Kane ’18 responds to the controversy: “No matter what, a life is a life and it is not right to take that away from anyone. On the other hand, I think a life sentence would be more painful than being put to death.” Kane suggests that the death penalty may grant the prisoner a freedom where they may not deserve it.

Lisa Ling’s Inside North Korea also addresses some obvious injustices regarding one of the most exclusive and secretive countries in the world. Ling  explains she never felt her “personal freedom limited as much as it was during our time in North Korea.”  Nick Gauthier ’17 describes North Korea as a “despotic regime where people have no say in their government, despite the fact that North Korea fronts as the ‘Democratic Republic of Korea.’” Gauthier believes North Koraeans people are “oppressed and sheltered.”

Netflix members can acces Into the Abyss and Inside North Korea to learn more about these issues.