Death is called the "last punishment," the "extremity of punishment".

Explanation

(English-origin maxim.) Death is the ultimate and final penalty the law can impose — no punishment beyond death exists, making it the last extremity of penal power.

Where this applies

• A defense attorney argues for life imprisonment instead of execution, reminding the jury that death is the absolute last penalty the state can impose.
• A governor commutes a death sentence to life without parole, acknowledging that death is the ultimate and irreversible punishment.
• A legislator opposes expanding the death penalty, arguing that because it is the final extremity of punishment, it should be reserved for the most heinous crimes.

See also

• 7.8.30 The most extreme punishment we consider to be is death.