Post by SoulTrainOz on Jul 17, 2006 23:18:29 GMT -5
Press & Sun-Bulletin, opinion
The League of Women Voters of New York State congratulates the Codes Committee of the state Assembly for again holding a death penalty bill in committee on June 13. We see public opinion changing regarding the death penalty and thank the Assembly for recognizing that this law is not a workable option for our criminal justice system.
The recent exoneration of Douglas Warney, convicted in Rochester of a murder he did not commit, shows how confessions can be coerced by investigators. He was in prison 10 years before DNA evidence proved him to be innocent.
Eleven years of this law in New York did not show it to be a deterrent; it has been estimated that the cost was at least $200 million; it gave county district attorneys unchecked power to decide who would be charged with a capital crime; racial and geographical disparity showed systemic unfairness; and the availability of DNA testing has shown that there can be false
confessions and eyewitness testimony.
We will continue to urge the Legislature to keep the death penalty from being resurrected in New York state.
Marcia Merrins, President
Fredonia
Amy Brandon, Death Penalty Specialist
Delmar
Source : Press & Sun-Bulletin
www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/OPINION/607
The League of Women Voters of New York State congratulates the Codes Committee of the state Assembly for again holding a death penalty bill in committee on June 13. We see public opinion changing regarding the death penalty and thank the Assembly for recognizing that this law is not a workable option for our criminal justice system.
The recent exoneration of Douglas Warney, convicted in Rochester of a murder he did not commit, shows how confessions can be coerced by investigators. He was in prison 10 years before DNA evidence proved him to be innocent.
Eleven years of this law in New York did not show it to be a deterrent; it has been estimated that the cost was at least $200 million; it gave county district attorneys unchecked power to decide who would be charged with a capital crime; racial and geographical disparity showed systemic unfairness; and the availability of DNA testing has shown that there can be false
confessions and eyewitness testimony.
We will continue to urge the Legislature to keep the death penalty from being resurrected in New York state.
Marcia Merrins, President
Fredonia
Amy Brandon, Death Penalty Specialist
Delmar
Source : Press & Sun-Bulletin
www.pressconnects.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060717/OPINION/607