Can the Valar Sentence People to Death?

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

I don't remember anything in the text about this matter, but I'm sure they would not make such a decision without consulting Eru.

[Galadriel55]

I don't recall any death penalties. Banishments, curses, imprisonments, other punishments, but not death. Though death can indeed be the consequesne of one of there.

[Mithalwen]

It is a slightly odd concept given the nature of Elvish life. If the Valar did such a thing they would in effect be confining them to Mandos for a period until their contemplation of their wrongdoing had brought them to a state of contrition such as they could be permitted to return to life and perhaps make atonement. Presumably the Valar could effect a similar confinement without having to actually execute a death sentence.

The doom of Mandos suggests to me that death is a consequence of their actions rather than a punishment for them.

I wouldn' t like to make assumptions regarding Tolkien's attitude to the death penalty which was still used in England & Wales at the time he wrote LOTR certainly, however Gandalf's words to Frodo about Gollum were a factor settling my feelings on the matter. Certainly though the death penalty exists in Gondor - Faramir says his life will be forfeit for letting Frodo go and the "penalty of old" for Beregond's crimes but they are remitted.

It just doesn't seem a likely scenario to me.

[Galadriel]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

I don't remember anything in the text about this matter, but I'm sure they would not make such a decision without consulting Eru.

That's what I thought.

Let's assume a scenario. Suppose Maglor just randomly turns up at Alqualondë (suspension of disbelief needed at this point) and starts shooting people. Will the Valar simply banish him again, or have him killed? You can assume he lost his mind, if you like

[Eomer of the Rohirrim]

Tulkas would tie him in knots and they'd wait for Eru to show up.

[Mithalwen]

Or if he were killed to stop him killing others, that isn't exactly sentencing to death - more a form of self defence, perhaps comparable to Grima being shot by the hobbits after murdering Saruman.

Sentence does imply some sort of trial and judgement, IMO.

[Galadriel55]

I think Maglor would be either killed by the elves who defend themselves or imprisoned by the Valar (physically). I don't think they will banish him again, since it had no effect on him. What's the point of a punishent if it doesn't get the point across?

[Andsigil]

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

[Inziladun]

Originally Posted by Eomer of the Rohirrim

I don't remember anything in the text about this matter, but I'm sure they would not make such a decision without consulting Eru.

This is in line with my thoughts. Judgements regarding the Children of Ilúvatar seem to have been considered as the province of the creator, at least as far as severe punishments were concerned.

Originally Posted by Andsigil

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

That was Ilúvatar, though, not the Valar. Illustrating my above point, the Valar did not think they had the authority to render a summary judgment and kill the Númenóreans outright, even though Ar-Pharazôn and his men were a direct threat to the Elves in Aman. Instead, they handed the matter over to the "father" of the Children. I see the Valar as being more "nannies" to the Children, and not having ultimate authority as "parents".

[Elmo]

Originally Posted by Andsigil

I'd say they sentenced a lot of people on Numenor to death.

This, a lot of children included.

Also I think they separated Melkor's spirit from his body which is a definition of killing him isn't it?