Posted on 01/26/2005 4:11:43 PM PST by NativeTexun
Execution debate has urgent tone
Supreme Court has eye on Texas legal system
09:57 PM CST on Tuesday, January 25, 2005
By DAVE MICHAELS / The Dallas Morning News
AUSTIN – Every two years, the Legislature wrestles with the way the state administers the death penalty. This year, the U.S. Supreme Court will be watching.
The high court overturned the sentences of three death row inmates last year because their juries were not able to factor in mitigating evidence, such as mental retardation, that could have justified a lesser sentence. That has prompted some lawmakers to warn that they must act quickly or risk further sanction.
"If we don't continue to try to do the right thing to justify the group that is being executed, I think it is always subject to being struck down," Sen. John Whitmire of Houston, Democratic chairman of the Senate Criminal Justice Committee, said recently.
The Supreme Court barred the execution of the retarded in 2002, calling it unconstitutionally cruel and unusual punishment. But Texas law does not explicitly outlaw execution of the mentally retarded or stipulate how to deal with the issue in capital cases. Lawmakers of both parties have said the state needs uniform procedures to guide juries.
(Excerpt) Read more at dallasnews.com ...
Where all these criteria are met, hang the bastard.
"...mitigating evidence, such as mental retardation..."
Steaming load of BS. If they can do the crime, they can be executed. End of problem.
Yes and they need to be taken out PRONTO and hanged or shot.
No tax dollars for their upkeep.
"No tax dollars for their upkeep."
Allocate $25 for their total food allowance while in custody. When the bux are gone....well, TS little beaver.
"Guilt beyond any doubt whatsoever..."
Unreasonable, idiotic and too easily refuted.
"Too dangerous to want to keep around."
Him or the Law?
"Not doing the culprit any favors BY keeping him around."
Agreed.
"Where all these criteria are met, hang the bastard."
Double-Agreed, j.
.
.
.
.
.
Marry me, in your next lifetime, j.
.
.
.
.
.
</smile>
Hmmmm....get me the needle... or more power...220, 221, 440, 441...whatever it takes!
</marry_me?>
You liked that, did you?
BTW.........Thanks for the offer! ;-)))))
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.