snowbunny

If there was a "life without possibility of parole" sentence with real teeth, in EVERY state, how is execution preferrable to a true life sentence, in protecting society, especially if the criminal has begun to make positive contributions to that same society?

Bear in mind that the costs of an execution vs life without parole are comparable.

rincewind

Only because of the lengthy process of appeal after appeal.

I have no problem with a life sentence for those where evidence leaves doubts.

But if the evidence is 100% certain, they should get the death penalty and sooner rather than later. Why wait if it's clear cut?

snowbunny

I remember the day that I learned that the force of gravity is not always 9.8 m/s2. I was gobsmacked. There are no absolutes in life, no 100%s. The best one can hope for is "beyond a reasonable doubt" and that means that there will always be some innocent people executed.

Speaking only for myself, I would rather pay to imprison all killers vs taking the chance of executing even one innocent person. Of course, I don't want to pay for the freakin' war in Iraq either.

I find it incredulous that the religious right has largely succeeded in prohibiting the use of taxpayer money to fund abortions and even stem cell research, but those of us who oppose killing via execution and war still must pay the killers.

Caligirl4ever

Agree, in fact he murdered 4 people and started the LA crips gang which is no charity group! Colour is not an issue here when it comes down to this! Think about if it was your family he killed?

Thydney

Being devils advocate, why do people oppose the death penalty for the guilty but approve of abortion of the innocent?

BigDavyG

Good grief, do we really have to go there.

I guess that pro-abortion campaigners don't see an abortion as being the equivalent of gunning someone down in the street in cold blood for example whereas the anti-abortion mob do.

Thydney

Using blanket phrases and sentences doesn't allow for discretion. Murderers and murders cant be put in box a or b each has it's own circumstances. Tookie was scum and deserved his end but a man who finds his 4 year old being raped and batters the man to death is still a murderer but more deserving a lesser sentence. Some things are certain in life if 100 people see a murder it's safe to say then it's happened.

snowbunny

Some people do not see a difference between the two, and the Catholic church is becoming more anti-death penalty as a result.

Thydney

But they both take a life. My devils question is how can either recocile this with their conscience?

rincewind

Really? I'm 100% sure I'm male

Chorlton

Well I would say the taking of a life is debatable. You're talking about an unborn foetus rather than a baby or a child.

BritGuyTN

death penalty is actually far more costly

snowbunny

You could be XXY or XYY though.

No scientific test or instrument will EVER guarantee 100% accuracy. We speak of it in terms of the number of 9s -- eg 4 9s is 99.99%.

CarlM

(and XYY are believed to be twice as likely to commit a crime as a regular XY!)

rincewind

Due to the lengthy case process.

Shorten it down to a month and it will be far cheaper.