"If we are to abolish the death penalty, I should like to see the first step taken by my friends the murderers"

Alphonse Karr's quote is a call to action for those who oppose the death penalty. He is recommending that those who have actually committed murder should be the very first to take a stand versus the death penalty. He is challenging them to be the very first to take a stand and to blaze a trail in abolishing the capital punishment. He is recommending that if those who have committed murder can take a stand versus the death penalty, then it will be easier for others to follow suit. He is likewise suggesting that if those who have actually dedicated murder can show remorse and take a stand against the death sentence, then it will be easier for others to forgive them and to accept them back into society. Karr's quote is an effective reminder that everyone should have a second opportunity and that we must all make every effort to be more understanding and forgiving of those who have actually made mistakes.