I support the death penalty. I believe it serves the purpose of justice in a democratic society. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t try to persuade anyone who conscientiously opposes it to change their mind. Nor would I actively oppose replacing the death penalty with life in prison without possibility of parole if that’s what a majority of a state’s citizens or the U.S. Congress in federal cases voted for—as opposed to having state courts declare it unconstitutional. Thirty-four states, the federal government, and the U.S. military still have the death penalty. Does this mean I don’t have strong views on the death penalty or an opinion about the Troy Davis case? Absolutely not. (More)
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Ed, I agree: in the Davis case, I fully support any protester’s argument that they find the death penalty to be repugnant, morally wrong, etc. It’s a moral argument, an opinionated position.
But I can’t support their arguments that he is innocent. That is a factual argument, and to have any factual backing for that argument, one would have to read the complete transcripts of the trial and be familiar with ALL of the evidence presented; not just a handful of cherry-picked facts that run counter to the bulk of the evidence and testimony.
That said, no system is perfect and I do think some innocent people go to their deaths; and THAT said, I still support the concept. It was certainly warranted in the Byrd murder case.
And FWIW, Texas will no longer allow inmates to choose their last meal.
The death penalty has always been a controversial issue, and always will be. I personally support it, but with caution. I feel that there are enough safeguards in the legal process to continue its use.
Sometimes the compassion folks feel for the condemned tends to cloud up the justice that is due to the victims and their families. Reasonable doubt is not good enough to warrant the death penalty. There must be no doubt to warrant a death sentence.
The death penalty will always be argued from legal and moral standpoints and opinions. Some say it isn’t a deterrent,and that may be true, but it certainly eliminates a chance for repeat offenses by the guilty party.