In Jainism, capital punishment (death penalty) does not fit with the core principle of ahimsa (non‑violence).

1. Basic Jain principle

• Ahimsa is “non‑killing, non‑harming in thought, word and deed”.
• Killing a human being is one of the gravest forms of violence and binds very heavy papa‑karma.
• This applies whether the killing is:

- private (murder), or - done by the state as “legal” punishment.

So, from the spiritual and ethical standpoint of Jain dharma, capital punishment is spiritually wrong and cannot be religiously approved.

2. Punishment in Jain view

Traditional Jain teaching focuses on:

• Stopping harm (protecting society),
• Reform of the wrongdoer – repentance (pratikraman), atonement, change of heart,
• Non‑violent measures – restraint, protection, and correction without killing.

Thus, Jainism supports justice and protection of innocents, but wants this done without taking life.

You can read a simple explanation of punishment in Jainism here

3. Historical note

Some Jain‑influenced kings in history still used normal legal systems of their time, which sometimes included the death penalty. But this is seen as:

• a practical compromise, not an ideal of Jain dharma;
• something that still creates bad karma for those ordering or performing the killing.

4. Summary

• Ideal Jain position: Capital punishment is not approved, because it is intentional killing and violates ahimsa.
• A Jain approach to crime stresses:

- protection of society, - firm but non‑lethal restraint, - repentance, forgiveness, and inner transformation, - minimizing all forms of violence, even by the state.