Does the case of Troy Davis make you question the use of the death penalty (details)?
Troy Davis was convicted of murdering a police officer in GA in 1991.
There was no physical evidence linking him to the crime but 9 witnesses testified against him.
Since then, 7 of the 9 witnesses have recanted their testimony, saying they were coerced by police to make their testimony. 5 witnesses identified another man but their testimony was never heard in court. Two jury members have come forth saying that if they knew then what they know now, they would not have voted to convict.
Appeals courts have refused to heard the new evidence or reconsider the case. The US Supreme Court has rejected review of it.
They were going to execute this man last night but now it is up to the Ga board of pardons and parole to decide whether to commute his sentence to life with or without parole.
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/07/1...
Answer:
Yes. The stay of execution is not proof that the system works. It was because of worldwide outrage about this case, not the normal procedures, that the Bd of Pardons and Appeals made its decision.
Our appeals process is not set up to take a second look at whether a convicted person was actually innocent. Its purpose is to make sure that the original trial was fair and in accord with constitutional standards. What to many people looks like lawyers searching for loopholes is really the search for a way to present evidence of innocence.
DNA does not guarantee that we will not execute an innocent person. It is available at less that 10% of all murder scenes.
Life without parole is now on the books in 48 states. It means what it says, is sure and swift (necessary for a punishment to deter others) and costs much less than the death penalty. Like the death penalty it incapacitates criminal (prevents recidivism.)
And proof the system works again.
For every sob story you can give, there are 10 M*****F***ers on death row that deserve EVERYTHING that is about to happen to them.
And, no offense, besides a quote from the prosecution about how he had a fair trial, this article is clearly a puff piece for the defense. Clearly, the writer supports Troy Davis. Almost every bit of evidence cited isn't anything but "the defense says". You don't get to SEE any of these affidavits, nor can the find this guy who they say did it.
Also, the article doesn't say they are trying to figure out if he has been wrongfully accused, but wether to commute his sentence to life in prison. That doesn't sound like they really think he is innocent, just that they aren't sure that they have the overwhelming burden of proof you should need before you execute someone.
There are quite a few "Troy Davises" in the country.
I'm not a fan of the death penalty to begin with from a straight up economics standpoint, it costs more to execute than house a prisoner indefinitely.
There will always be innocent people behind bars - it's human nature for people to blame quickly and assume many things - it eases the collective mind to feel like they've "gotten a criminal off of the streets". It helps society feel safe.
It is unfortunate when someone who is innocent is subjected to years (or even a lifetime) of punishment. It happens more than people would care to think.
These fellas spent half their lives in jail:
http://www.the-spark.net/np670205.html...
And stories like these:
http://www.demaction.org/dia/organizatio...
and exactly why I support the death penalty in theory, but not in practice.
Look at the Bush As Governor years.
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