Posted on 03/07/2016 1:22:41 PM PST by Olog-hai
Florida Gov. Rick Scott signed into law a major overhaul of Florida’s death penalty on Monday in response to a U.S. Supreme Court decision declaring the previous system unconstitutional.
The new law requires at least 10 out of 12 jurors recommend execution for it to be carried out. Florida previously required that a majority of jurors recommend the death sentence. The law was found unconstitutional in January because jurors served an advisory role while judges had the final say in death penalty cases.
“It is my solemn duty to uphold the laws of Florida and my foremost concern is always for the victims and their loved ones. I hope this legislation will allow families of these horrific crimes to get the closure they deserve,” Scott said in a statement released by his office. …
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I wonder what the value of 6 vs 7 vs 9 vs 10? Why would you need 80% to recommend the death penalty?
Darn right. Especially when, according to the USSC, it only takes 5 out of 9 to overturn a validly passed state law.
There should be no juror say in the matter. If it is a capital crime and you're guilty, you die. End of discussion. Juries should not even know what the penalties are likely to be, as it may cause misplaced compassion to free the evil.
Yet, it only takes one circuit judge to levy the death penalty against a non-convicted, non-brain dead, unattached to a heart machine, ventilator, or IVs, not actively dying woman by the most cruel and unusual form of torture known to mankind.
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