Statement From Governor Bush Regarding Amos King [Jeb requires DNA tests prior to execution]

State of FL - www.myflorida.com ^ | Dec. 2, 2002 | JEB BUSH

[summer]

Statement From Governor Bush Regarding Amos King [Jeb requires DNA tests prior to execution]

For Immediate Release
Monday, December 2, 2002
Contact:
Elizabeth Hirst
(850) 921-9552

TALLAHASSEE -- Governor Jeb Bush has temporarily stayed the execution of Amos King to allow for additional DNA testing of evidence in this case. King’s execution had been scheduled to take place at 6:00pm today. It is anticipated the additional DNA testing can be completed within the next thirty days.

“Carrying out Florida’s death penalty law is one of the most serious responsibilities I have as Governor. Today a representative from the Innocence Project, Barry Scheck, informed my legal office of the existence of previously untested evidence and further DNA testing that could possibly exonerate Amos King. It is wholly appropriate that we delay the execution until we can determine that all potentially useful DNA testing has been completed,” said Governor Bush.

[summer]

I am still trying to take a much needed break from FR (no offense to anyone at all), and I am very busy teaching now, but, I had to post this statement, above, because I strongly believe in what Gov. Bush is doing here.

What he is doing is this: He requires and demands all DNA testing be completed prior to signing the execution warrant for the death penalty.

This statement does not state the following information, but I will tell you this fact: FL law does NOT require the FL governor to take the time and trouble to complete DNA testing, nor to do any DNA testing which could be done.

However, Governor Bush CHOOSES, on his own, is governor, to do that DNA testing, in every death penalty case, for every person on death row in FL, if any DNA testing at all can be done.

I applaud him for doing this - and, again, he does not have to do this by law.

But, since the technology exists, and DNA testing is available, and the death penalty is certainly the final punishment for the person being executed, it seems to me ALL governors should be likewise be CHOOSING to demand that DNA testing be attempted and completed, if such tests can be done in the case.

BTW, my position on the death penalty is as follows: certain crimes are so heinous that not even death is an appropriate punishment.

And, the state is not perfect.

I would prefer the state only execute those convicted individuals who themselves choose a death penalty over a life sentence without parole. Also, I believe DNA testing, when available, should and must be done in every instance.

I realize many people have different views than I have on this issue, and heated discussions often take place on this issue.

But, in short, I fully support DNA testing.

Innocent people wrongly convicted and on death row should never be executed by the state by "mistake," especially when we have DNA testing to help avoid that mistake.

Kudos to Governor Jeb Bush.

[summer]

For those who may misunderstand me, this is the point I wrote and really want to make to you, even though it is not apparent by the statement released today by Gov. Bush. But, I have read many other articles about this, so I wanted to share this important fact with you:
Governor Bush CHOOSES, on his own, as governor, to do that DNA testing, in every death penalty case for every person on death row in FL, if any DNA testing at all can be done.

Yet, FL law does not require it. He does this anyway. And I think he is right to do it. Not every governor does.

[summer]

FYI, as we once exhcnaged our views on the death penalty, and I was surprised to hear from somone (you) who agreed with my view.

[summer]

FYI, as we once exchanged views on the death penalty, and I was surprised to hear from somone (you) who agreed with my view.

[Celtjew Libertarian]

No problem with this. The DNA Project is seen as an anti-death penalty movement. However, in that it makes me more confident that executions are being carried out on the right people (and there is one Florida case where I think the person executed was innocent) it strengthens my support for the death penalty.

[summer]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this important matter. I think the GOP leaders often get wrongly portrayed as too eager to execute and making mistakes. But, I wanted people to know that here in FL, we have a governor who is trying to carrying out his duties by law, and sign death warrants - but he is trying hard to weed out those innocent people who may have been wrongly convicted. We all know such people have continuously been released from death row in states throughout this country, and others may be awaiting execution right now, on death row, somewhere.

But, if DNA evidence exists to set an innocence and wrongly convicted person free, we must take the time to procure such evidence. And, set that innocent person free.

[summer]

The DNA Project is seen as an anti-death penalty movement.

Yes, good point - that is how others see it. But, like you, I do not see it as an anti-death penalty movement either. I see it as a pro-life movement for those who are in fact WRONGLY convicted in the court system, which is certainly capable of making mistakes.

[summer]

it makes me more confident that executions are being carried out on the right people
And, yes again, to your point here. I too believe Barry's project can increase confidence that the persons convicted and about to be executed really DID the crimes for which they were convicted.

Thanks so much, Celtjew Libertarian.

I sometimes see Barry Scheck on tv news shows talking about his project, and I believe the tv news commentators often fail to discuss the important points you made in your post.

[kylaka]

Doing the right thing, is never wrong.

[summer]

kylaka, Thanks for your post here. Gov Bush has been very consistent on his position here, and this is not the first time he delayed an execution due to DNA testing being available and not being done or completed. I think it is about time some people in the media stop framing the death penalty debate in terms of "the evil GOP leaders who are eager to execute" verses the real issue, which is to enable those individuals who are innocent of crimes to get off of death row. And, believe me, I am quite certain not EVERYONE on death row is innocent!

That's why I wish the state would allow these people to choose execution, if that's what these invididuals want. The Gary Gilmores of the world know what they did, and have no desire to spend years locked up in prison. If they are ready to meet their Maker, want to drop their appeals, and go to the Great Beyond, I have no problem with the state speeding up the process for them.

But, I would hope other individuals, who may in fact be innocent, and were wrongly convicted, would not choose execution, and would try to continue proving their innocence. Mistakes in court and the omission of material evidence are facts of life, and if I was the person wrongly convicted, I would hope someone, somewhere, would agree with me that the state is not perfect and errors can be mad. I am glad both Gov Bush and Barry Scheck are of that opinion, and willing to examine ALL the existing and available evidence, even if the courts did not.

[summer]

I meant: "errors can be made."

[JimRed]

I applaud him for doing this - and, again, he does not have to do this by law.

The most serious facet of a serious job: life and death. Thank God he takes it seriously!

[Sparta]

This death penalty supporter supports the use of DNA to make sure those who are convicted are actually guilty of their crimes.

[summer]

BTTT to your post, Sparta. Thanks.

[summer]

The most serious facet of a serious job: life and death. Thank God he takes it seriously!

I couldn't agree with you more, JimRed. Thanks for your post here.