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I’ve seen the evidence, in fact I’ve had my nose rubbed in it. But, conjecture and anecdotal stories are not really evidence. Certainly we must be especially certain of a criminal’s guilt before we put them to death. We should always look at all the evidence available and be willing set aside the death penalty if there is not overwhelming evidence of guilt. On the other hand, appeals that do not go to guilt but rather to procedure should be strictly limited and sentences carried out expeditiously. There is no legitimate reason for criminals to live on death row for generations.

Will mistakes be made? Almost certainly! Nothing done by man is perfect, but the system is now such that it will certainly be extremely rare. Over the years I had several friends and acquaintances killed in aircraft or vehicular accidents. We don’t stop flying, driving or riding because of the miniscule possibility that each time we do so may be our last. Similarly, people have spent a lifetime behind bars for crimes they did not commit. Certainly no less an injustice that being put to death. That does not mean we quit locking people away.

As for the families of people wrongly convicted and put to death, I don’t think you’ll find many. But if you do, they will at least have a cause of action and recourse to meaningful redress. Not something that can be said for the families of thousands of murder victims each year.

Some have said that the measure of a society is how it treats its criminals. I disagree, the true measure is how the victims and their families are treated and whether or not justice is done.



Like I said I wasn't taking a side just adding to what Bill was saying. I am actually for the death penalty as you should see if you read my earlier post. I also said the endless appeals should stop, I joked only half about an express lane (Ron White). I think if the evidence is overwhelming then yes appeals should be greatly curtailed.I mentioned people like John Wayne Gasey, and Jeffery Dahmer, you could add Berkowitz, Zodiak, and that guy that killed his whole family then moved away and started a new life John List I think his name was. In those cases there was no doubt and if Death sentence was handed down then in those cases maybe 1 appeal allowed then fry em. But that shouldn't be the case where the evidence is much less.

I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains.
Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!