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Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 14, 2006 0:09:39 GMT -5
In 96 % of the states where there have been reviews of race and the death penalty, there was a pattern of either race-of-victim or race-of-defendant discrimination or both.
A University of Maryland study found that defendants in Maryland are much more likely to be sentenced to death if they have killed a white person.
A New Jersey Supreme Court report found that, "There is unsettling statistical evidence indicating that cases involving killers of white victims are more likely to progress to a penalty phase than cases involving killers of African-American victims.''
(source: Death Penalty Information Center)
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Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 14, 2006 2:47:22 GMT -5
To the editor:
I have just finished reading your column about capital punishment. Let me clarify something for you.
I don't believe in capital punishment because it is a deterrent. I believe in it because it is justice, which means giving that which is due. When a loved one of yours is tortured and murdered, the thing that is due the perpetrator is a horrible death. When you find out in open court that your loved one begged for his or her life, then all mercy is ended for the person who did not heed this appeal and give mercy. Of course, the perpetrator is going to get several appeals as well as sympathy from people like you. Also I would like to add that capital punishment brings no closure either. It is never over for you. As for what to tell your children, I suggest this: When you do something very bad, there is a price
to pay. There are some people whom we as civilized human beings cannot coexist with.
If you and your children believe in God, remember the perpetrator is going to meet his maker, and maybe there he will find mercy, though I like to think justice will be meted out to him again, and even hell is too good for this person.
Jan Taylor----Greenville
(source: Letter to the Editor, Delta Democrat (Miss.) Times)
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Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 30, 2006 3:02:03 GMT -5
Death penalty costs more, is no deterrent
I am against the death penalty.
How can we as a nation punish murderers by committing murder? Our current system of justice can never be 100 % accurate, and thereby avoid killing an innocent person.
Many studies show that the death penalty is not a deterrent and is more expensive to implement than the alternative punishment systems available in todays world.
Though I am aware that many victims believe revenge would give them "closure," it can not.
Closure is a spiritual gift. It is irresponsible, unlawful and morally
wrong to give legal power to a grieving victim, just so they can
experience catharsis.
Moreover, by bringing mercy instead of revenge into the concept of justice, victims will be treated with care more appropriate for their needs, instead of being re-victimized with another killing in their name.
Why not put some of the millions of wasted dollars spent on death row prosecution into victims assistance programs or rehabilitation?
I worked as a prosecutor in New York. I believe in accountability.
If our resources were used for rehabilitation, victims rights, and raising healthy children, America would grow in decency and strength as a country.
Mary Meenan- White Plains, N.Y. )
(source: Florida Today)
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