Torture-slaying: more expensive to execute someone than to sentence them to life in prison

knoxnews ^

[fujimoh]

KNOXVILLE - For the first time in Knox County judicial history, a judge will instruct the jury in the trial of convicted torture-slaying ringleader Lemaricus Davidson that it is more expensive to execute someone than to sentence them to spend the rest of their life in prison.

At the request of defense attorney Doug Trant, Criminal Court Judge Richard Baumgartner said this morning that he will tell jurors that a 2004 study by the state Comptroller's Office concluded that execution is a more expensive form of punishment than life without parole

[thecabal]

A single round to the back of the cranium is quite cheap.

[MissesBush]

One instance of government spending I’m willing to tolerate more of.

[Brilliant]

It shouldn’t be.

[muddler]

And I’ll buy the first round.

[Paladin2]

Did they include the time value of money in that not all expenses are spent at the same time? Also there may be value in some cases in achieving immediate resolution rather than leaving the decision open to future re-examination.

[metalcor]

That is my main point in opposing the death penalty. It costs too much and the money goes to the wrong people—lawyers. I’d rather see guards and construction workers have a job than lawyers. And there is always the possibility— probability— that someone will be executed unjustly, framed through incompetence or malevolence.

[Cicero]

A piece of rope with a knot in it doesn’t cost very much.

[randog]

...it is more expensive to execute someone than to sentence them to spend the rest of their life in prison.

Then hold an "Executioner's Lottery". Winner gets to pull the trigger. You could balance the state budget and put a Chevy in every garage with the earnings.

[jaydubya2]

So the jurors are to decide which is more financially responsible vs. what is better for society?

[ladyjane]

Not executing this animal sends a message to every thug in the state that they can do whatever they want and not face the death penalty.

[geezerwheezer]

The legal fees from the lawyers who keep appealing the convictions is what drives up the costs of killing these scumbags. My answer is, if the lawyer loses on appeal, then he/she gets executed next to their client. This way, justice is served by all. (sarcasm is fun....)

[jaydubya2]

The ones we execute never get released for good behavior.

[Cheetahcat]

That judge needs charged as an accomplice! Enough of this pandering.

[a fool in paradise]

Because people serving life in prison NEVER seek any legal challenges like those on death row. < /sarc >

[Right Wing Assault]

Some of the best things in life are more expensive. There is a certain satisfaction in paying for something done well (even if most of the money goes to attorneys).

[devistate one four]

I’ll volunteer and provide the firearm and the ammo!

I’m cheap and easy.

[thecabal]

I actually agree with you. I’m not opposed to capital punishment on moral grounds, but our process is way too convoluted and I think that there are a fair amount of people who do get unfairly put on death row.

[onedoug]

So?

[a fool in paradise]

And there is always the possibility— probability— that someone will be executed unjustly, framed through incompetence or malevolence.

Since we are talking about a double abduction, rape, and murder, are these guys innocent? Is there a doubt as to guilt?