In episode 3, season 2 of Netflix’ Daredevil series, Matt Murdock (Daredevil) argues with Frank Castle (The Punisher) that no one has the right to judge someone to death.
Yet, I could not help thinking that of all people Frank Castle actually does have the right. Here’s why:
– The Punisher is a former Marine, having been thrown into war and ordered to kill people based on his judgment. He had both the responsibility and duty to do so.
– Frank’s superior officers technically guided his killing decisions, but why should they have had that power? Perhaps they represented the legal system, but Matt could not claim they represented God or a higher power. In a war, who can claim a “legal” justification to what is right?
– In a United Sates-based system, Frank had previously been given the authority to judge and execute. When it comes to New York City and Hell’s Kitchen, he should have the same authority because he is still enforcing a US-based mindset in US territory. He may not know what is right in Afghanistan, but the military values should be relevant in NYC.
Why does The Punisher have the right to be judge, jury, and executioner? Because he did have that right. Similarly, among Marvel superheroes, Captain America should have that right too.
Now, whether this has parallels to real life, I do not want to think about that too much, but at least in the Marvel Universe, Frank Castle has a case.
I Spit Hot Fire 