Did Gollum deserve death?

[Raynor]

Originally Posted by davem

A third party may make a judgement on Gollum's actions/choices, & decide they are 'wicked' & deserving of death, but did Gollum see his actions in that way - hence Raynor's point about judging on 'intention' seems to miss the point - particularly when one is dealing with someone who is (leaving aside the issue of his 'morality') clinically insane & technically 'possessed' by the Ring.

But in this case you seem to disregard that we do actually have insight into his mind. You ignore Tolkien's opinion on Gollum, even if he is the author of the story. To quote for the nth time, he is portrayed as persistent in wickedness, refusing repentance and as damnable. All of this mean responsibility. This is not an argument from ignorance, quite the contrary. However, I have a nagging feeling I quoted this, for the nth+1 time, in vain.

Originally Posted by Lal

Some, like Gandalf, know of Eru, and maybe know that execution would not be acceptable to him

But there have been executions. Turgon ordered Eol to be killed, and Mandos executed Melkor.

Perhaps to put to death a victim of Sauron's craft and treachery is far worse than to allow Gollum to live?

I don't agree with killing as punishment. Although I do argue that one who represents an unacceptable risk to the lives of others should be stopped one way or the other (peacefully, when possible). Stopping such a person, using the most adequate way, would not be immoral, or doing Sauron's work.