As a child in elementary school, I recall a quote given in a civics lesson that made an impression on me.
I've always thought that was a sound policy.
Until recently.
Our justice system needs a serious overhaul. I'm not talking radical changes to our rights. I'm talking about the methods and procedures. Personally, I think the worst decision I ever heard was a US Supreme Court decision regarding a wrongful conviction where the court said something to the effect that "innocence of a crime, in light of a fair and error-free trial, is not grounds for an appeal." Say what? Courts should be the one place in our system where truth is more important than the process. That a person who can be shown to be innocent is denied judicial review of the case --especially on the grounds that all of the "processes" were properly done -- strikes me as antipodal to the principles of this country.
As to Capital Punishment...
My personal belief is that capital punishment works best when the perpetrator is caught during the crime and in cases where there can be little doubt that the suspect committed the crime.
Especially in capital cases, I think the jury deserves to have all of its questions answered, even if that means bringing back a witness for questioning or re-testing a key piece of evidence.
Obtaining a conviction in our "free" society is much tougher than in many other countries -- and more expensive for the government. That is a good thing for it reduces the potential for abuse of powers. It does not guarantee perfection, however.
When it comes to a capital offense cases involving persons who are demonstrably mentally deficient or poorly educated, I think we owe it to them to be extra careful with their lives.
Sentencing someone to death should never be taken lightly. I know that if I had unanswered questions I'd be hard pressed to vote guilty. I don't want to live with doubts about it for the rest of my life.
It is better that ten guilty men go free than to imprison an innocent man.
--Benjamin Franklin
I've always thought that was a sound policy.
Until recently.
Our justice system needs a serious overhaul. I'm not talking radical changes to our rights. I'm talking about the methods and procedures. Personally, I think the worst decision I ever heard was a US Supreme Court decision regarding a wrongful conviction where the court said something to the effect that "innocence of a crime, in light of a fair and error-free trial, is not grounds for an appeal." Say what? Courts should be the one place in our system where truth is more important than the process. That a person who can be shown to be innocent is denied judicial review of the case --especially on the grounds that all of the "processes" were properly done -- strikes me as antipodal to the principles of this country.
As to Capital Punishment...
My personal belief is that capital punishment works best when the perpetrator is caught during the crime and in cases where there can be little doubt that the suspect committed the crime.
Especially in capital cases, I think the jury deserves to have all of its questions answered, even if that means bringing back a witness for questioning or re-testing a key piece of evidence.
Obtaining a conviction in our "free" society is much tougher than in many other countries -- and more expensive for the government. That is a good thing for it reduces the potential for abuse of powers. It does not guarantee perfection, however.
When it comes to a capital offense cases involving persons who are demonstrably mentally deficient or poorly educated, I think we owe it to them to be extra careful with their lives.
Sentencing someone to death should never be taken lightly. I know that if I had unanswered questions I'd be hard pressed to vote guilty. I don't want to live with doubts about it for the rest of my life.