The Death Penalty
 

Lately I was having one of those academic, detached discussions that people have when they're discussing something that has no personal relevancy to their lives. It was about the death penalty and whether or not the United States should have one.

It has been amply proven that it doesn't act as a deterrant to crime. People who commit crimes don't seem to have the abiltiy to think that far ahead. It has also been demonstrated that it is unequally applied. There have also been financial reasons brought into the discussion, both for and against. Some people say it's cheaper to execute them, while others point out the fortune that is spent in the appeals process, making it very expensive to hand out the death penalty.

The arguments for and against go on and on.

One of the points most often raised is "yes, but how would you feel if the victim was a member of your own family?"

I recently received word that a woman who had committed a horrible crime against me and a member of my family was dying of cancer. The caller expected some kind of emotional reaction from me, but I didn't have one to give. I did not rejoice in her impending death, neither did I feel compassion. Her death would not restore what she had taken. The crime was committed a very long time ago and I've come to terms with it as much as is possible. Oddly, the length of time is about what someone sentenced to death would sustain during the appeals process. My reaction almost frightened me with its neutrality. If there is karmic retribution, and I believe there is, this woman's punishment will be coming for her.

I wanted to start some kind of intelligent dialogue regarding the death penalty and see what, if any, opinions the members of Oprano have. I'm also putting up a poll for those who'd prefer simply to vote rather than discuss.

Thank you.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

To me it's rather simple. The government has no business taking away that which it cannot give back.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

That's a tough one... Obviously it's not applicable here in Canada, but I still feel strongly about it.

It just seems wrong to kill someone because THEY killed (Isn't that a double standard?) By dying, they don't have to live with the repercutions of their actions... Then again, why should tax payers have to suffer to keep them in prison?... I guess I don't feel as strong as I thought I did... I have a son now, so if someone was to take his life you can bet I would want them to die...

This make any sense?!? LMAO!!!!

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I think I may be more cruel than you, FB. I'd want the murderer locked in a cage for the rest of his hopefully very long life. No chance at parole, nothing but an endless string of days inside the hell of a maximum security prison. I'd fantasize about finding someone inside who had a mother who needed money. All I'd want this prisoner to do is look at the murder and occasionally whisper "her mother says hello and wants you to wonder when I'll get you." That's all. I would not have hired a hit, just an intensive gaslight treatment to cause fear.

That's just a fantasy. Nothing would bring back what I'd lost. There really isn't a fit punishment.

I used to be a strong supporter of the death penalty. Then my faith in most things went to hell. Unless I myself witnessed the crime and was absolutely positive in my identification or the forensic evidence was overwhelming, I'd never be certain the powers that like to be got the right man or woman.

I'm also burdened with compassion for some things and religious convictions...admittedly at odds with my desire for long, nasty punishments.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I voted NO.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I voted yes, but only for certain crimes - paedophilia probably being the top one.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I think the death penalty is probably appropriate in certain cases of murder.

I think it is wrong to exclude death penatly opponents from a jury in states where life without parole is an option. I don't like the qualification of beliefs among the jury of the accused's peers.

I think that cops and prosecutors found to have willfully fabricated evidence or committed perjury in a death penalty case should be eligible for it themselves.

I think that death penalty should NOT be based on strictly circumstantial evidence or the testimony of jailhouse informants, etc.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I hit the wrong button in the vote I think :(

Anyway. I am against the death penalty for one simple reason. If it is wrong once and one innocent person is killed, then it is wrong. That simple.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

i voted yes. so what if you kill a few innocent you will end up killing more guilty assholes that took a life and were not worried about morals.



simple you kill then you die.



why the fuck do i have to pay for your food and room while you are in jail when you killed someone..

Re: The Death Penalty
 

You'd rather pay for his appeal lawyer's food and house? ;)

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I think there are some who deserve the death penalty, but I'm not comfortable with a jury deciding who does and who doesn't :)

Re: The Death Penalty
 

I'm generally opposed to it.
Not a deterrant (never was), and mistakes are made and the wrong guy gets put to death way to often.

Re: The Death Penalty
 

It's not a deterrant because it's so rarely actually followed through with.

If DNA results prove someone has raped, killed or sexually molested someone, then IMO they are dead immediately. No appeals and BS.

Without DNA evidence it's a little more gray in my mind and depends on the other evidence that's there.

And as far as juries, I've been in favor of professional juries for years.