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The only problem with the 'solution' of abolishing the death penalty is that it makes the real issue (false conviction) easier to ignore, while there will still

by nickff 12y ago

The only problem with the 'solution' of abolishing the death penalty is that it makes the real issue (false conviction) easier to ignore, while there will still be innocent people who have to suffer a horrible fate, (life imprisonment not substantially better than death,) for a crime they did not commit.

Crito 12y ago
I'm not sure if that is valid justification enough to avoid abolishing the death penalty, but I think it does touch on a concern I have with the "life imprisonment is cheaper anyway" argument. The reason generally cited for the higher cost of executing somebody is the lengthy appeals process. Why is it that this makes executions more expensive than life in prison? Do people sentenced to life have fewer appeals? If so, why? Do they simply choose to appeal less, or are they not afforded as many opportunities to appeal? Unless they are actually guilty, either possibility is problematic. In the first case, that means that innocent people sentenced to life are giving up on justice. In the second case, that means that innocent people sentenced to life are being denied justice. One of the other common criticisms of executions are that they are final; finding out that somebody was innocent after killing them is useless to that person. However if for some reason people sentenced to life are receiving fewer opportunities to be found innocent since it seems less important or time-critical, are we seeing any real benefit?
- nickff 12y ago
  >"I'm not sure if that is valid justification enough to avoid abolishing the death penalty, but I think it does touch on a concern I have with the "life imprisonment is cheaper anyway" argument." I agree completely with these points. >"Do people sentenced to life have fewer appeals? If so, why? Do they simply choose to appeal less, or are they not afforded as many opportunities to appeal?" This is what many criminal defense attorneys say, and the reason that some defendants prefer a charge which carries the death penalty to one which has a life imprisonment sentence. >"One of the other common criticisms of executions are that they are final; finding out that somebody was innocent after killing them is useless to that person. However if for some reason people sentenced to life are receiving fewer opportunities to be found innocent since it seems less important or time-critical, are we seeing any real benefit?" This is a clearer statement of one of my ill-expressed thoughts.
joesmo 12y ago
At least the people wrongfully convicted to life in prison have a chance (sometimes) to prove their innocence. Such an opportunity is obviously lost if one is executed. Executions are not helping to reduce false convictions. They might add a bit more media attention, but should innocent people die for that? Seems preposterous to me.
- nickff 12y ago
  If what you are saying is true, why do some of the people on trial for heinous crimes push for a death penalty offense? They say that it is the only way for them to get a good attorney or an appeal, and avoid a life wasted in prison. Are they wrong?
  - joesmo 12y ago
    What cases are you referring to? I've never heard anything like this. Even if such cases exist, it still doesn't justify murdering people because the state is incapable of doling out justice.

by nickff 12y ago

Crito 12y ago

I'm not sure if that is valid justification enough to avoid abolishing the death penalty, but I think it does touch on a concern I have with the "life imprisonment is cheaper anyway" argument. The reason generally cited for the higher cost of executing somebody is the lengthy appeals process. Why is it that this makes executions more expensive than life in prison? Do people sentenced to life have fewer appeals? If so, why? Do they simply choose to appeal less, or are they not afforded as many opportunities to appeal? Unless they are actually guilty, either possibility is problematic. In the first case, that means that innocent people sentenced to life are giving up on justice. In the second case, that means that innocent people sentenced to life are being denied justice. One of the other common criticisms of executions are that they are final; finding out that somebody was innocent after killing them is useless to that person. However if for some reason people sentenced to life are receiving fewer opportunities to be found innocent since it seems less important or time-critical, are we seeing any real benefit?

nickff 12y ago
>"I'm not sure if that is valid justification enough to avoid abolishing the death penalty, but I think it does touch on a concern I have with the "life imprisonment is cheaper anyway" argument." I agree completely with these points. >"Do people sentenced to life have fewer appeals? If so, why? Do they simply choose to appeal less, or are they not afforded as many opportunities to appeal?" This is what many criminal defense attorneys say, and the reason that some defendants prefer a charge which carries the death penalty to one which has a life imprisonment sentence. >"One of the other common criticisms of executions are that they are final; finding out that somebody was innocent after killing them is useless to that person. However if for some reason people sentenced to life are receiving fewer opportunities to be found innocent since it seems less important or time-critical, are we seeing any real benefit?" This is a clearer statement of one of my ill-expressed thoughts.

joesmo 12y ago

At least the people wrongfully convicted to life in prison have a chance (sometimes) to prove their innocence. Such an opportunity is obviously lost if one is executed. Executions are not helping to reduce false convictions. They might add a bit more media attention, but should innocent people die for that? Seems preposterous to me.

nickff 12y ago
If what you are saying is true, why do some of the people on trial for heinous crimes push for a death penalty offense? They say that it is the only way for them to get a good attorney or an appeal, and avoid a life wasted in prison. Are they wrong?
- joesmo 12y ago
  What cases are you referring to? I've never heard anything like this. Even if such cases exist, it still doesn't justify murdering people because the state is incapable of doling out justice.