[–] zipcodemonster ago
Our Justice system in America is for correction. Hence the department of corrections bit. If someone cannot be corrected or will never be released you could make a compelling argument that life in prison with no hope of leaving is cruel and unusual punishment. This justifies execution beyond even the punitive.
[–] Uncle_Tractor ago
It does not deter crime, it is too easily politicized, and it cannot be undone when applied to the innocent (which happens way too often). A country is better off without it.
(if you were facing the death sentence for a crime you had not committed, do you think your legal system is good enough to get you off the hook?)
Honest opinion, the Death Penalty should be reserved for suspects who are convicted of sick and henious crimes. No waiting period, no appeal board, and no last meal. Enough of this lethal injection crap. If anyone commited an henious act or crime so appaling. Whereas sexually raping a child, breaking into a person's home with the intent to rape and burn down the home with everyone alive inside, or knowingly giving someone HIV/AIDS. They should be given the instant death penalty by firing squad.
Don't keep them in prison for life. It's too expensive for the tax payer. It's more cheaper, just to charge them and take them outside to be shot out back. Yet, there must be a high regarded standard for evidence and it should be, in order to prevent wrongful convictions. Over the years, we've had too many people executed for crimes they never committed. Usually by demented or biased people in the justice system who don't go over every single bit of evidence and review it.
Also, we need to stop housing teens and kids in adult prisons for misdeamenors. It doesn't work, it scars them for life making them more prone to commit crime later in life when they're adults.
[–] BigFatDaddy ago
Bring back public hangings in front of the courthouse.